Sister Marina Matracia, OSF, a Stella Niagara Franciscan for nearly 80 years, died Aug. 28, 2019. She was 98 years old.

The former Anna Matracia was born to Anthony and Catherine Capone Matracia, Dec. 12, 1920, in Buffalo.

She is predeceased by her parents and siblings Catherine Tornesella, Jospehine Barbuto, Vincent and Myron Matracia, and Marie Duggan.

After graduating from Hutchinson Central High School in 1939, Sister Marina joined Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity on Sept. 7, 1939, at Stella Niagara. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 19, 1944. She then went on to earn a bachelor's degree in education from Mount St. Joseph Teacher's College, Buffalo, in 1948.

For over 60 years, Sister Marina taught throughout the dioceses of Buffalo; Columbus, Ohio; Trenton, N.J. Wheeling/Charleston, W.V., starting at St. Ann School, Buffalo. She also taught at St. Joseph School, Gowanda; Our Lady of Lebanon School, Niagara Falls; St. Peter School, Lewiston; and St. Benedict School, Eggertsville.

She served as a cook at St. Benedict Convent, Eggertsville; as librarian/classroom aide at Our Lady of Pompeii School, Lancaster, and in the dining hall of Daemen College, Amherst.

After her retirement in 2005, Sister Marina volunteered at Heart, Love and Soul Dining Room in Niagara Falls, and Francis Center Children's Program, also in Niagara Falls.

A funeral Mass took place at Sisters' Chapel, Stella Niagara, on Aug. 31, followed by burial in the sisters cemetery at Stella Niagara.