Sister Lucille A. Socciarelli, RSM, was one of the two teachers who influenced Tim Russert (center), along with Father John Sturm, SJ.

Sister Lucille A. Socciarelli, RSM, formerly Sister Mary Lucella, died April 9, 2017. She was 82 years of age.

She was born March 30, 1935, in Albion, to Dominic and Lucy (DePalma) Socciarelli, both immigrants from Italy. Shortly after her graduation from Albion High School, she joined the Religious Sisters of Mercy in 1953 when she was 18 years old and professed final vows in 1956.

Sister Lucille received a bachelor's degree in education from Niagara University and a master degree, in the same field of study, from the State University of New York at Buffalo. While pursuing her own education, Sister Lucille taught at elementary and secondary schools throughout the diocese and served as principal. Sister Lucille also received a religious studies degree from Boston College in Newton, Mass.

After 30 years of serving in the field of education, she became a director of youth ministry in Florida. She also received a certification in clinical pastoral care and was named the director of pastoral care at Mercy Hospital in Buffalo. She continued in this service for 30 more years.

In honor of her many contributions to the diocese, as well as her contributions to his own life, Tim Russert of "Meet the Press" fame named the diocesan "Making a Difference" award, given each year to an outstanding Catholic educator, in her honor as well as that of another educator, Father John Sturm, SJ.

Sister Lucille is survived by a brother, Donald, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may cal at Mercy Center, 625 Abbott Rd., Buffalo Monday, April 10 from 2-8 p.m. and Tuesday, April 11 from 2-4 p.m.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, April 11 at 4 p.m. at Mercy Center Chapel. Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery in Lackawanna.