Sister Consolacion B. Briones, who served as a dentist, nurse and pastoral minister, died Jan. 14, 2020.

Sister Consolacion was born in the Philippines to Dominador and Gertrude (Ballesteros) Briones on Sept. 21, 1936. She grew up on the U.S. military base Fort Stotsenburg while her father served in the U.S. Army. At the age of 5, she witnessed the brutality of the Bataan Death March. Such an experience impacted her for life and prompted her desire to reach out to those in need and pain.

As the oldest of 12 children, she was given many responsibilities. After high school, she continued her education at Business Bohol College and National University of Dentistry in the Philippines, earning a doctor of Dentistry degree. Eventually her family moved to California. In San Francisco, Sister Consolacion met a sister who guided her to explore various religious communities. At that time, she learned that the Buffalo Sisters of Mercy had a mission in the Philippines. On Sept. 8, 1966, Sister Consolacion entered the Sisters of Mercy Community and after three years of instruction, professed her vows on Aug. 15, 1969. At the same time, she attended Trocaire College and received an A.A.S. Degree in Nursing. She returned to the Philippines in August 1971 and ministered at Mercy Hospital in Mindanao. She also worked Makati Medical Center in Manila and was a rural dentist in Jimenez. After returning to the United States in 1980, Sister Consolacion was staff nurse at Our Lady of Mercy Health Care Unit and Mercy Hospital in Buffalo. As a volunteer in Alzheimer's Respite Care and pastoral care, Sister Consolaciaon has touched the lives of many bringing compassion and care to those in need. As an "upbeat" person, joy and laughter were shared regularly.  

Sister Consolacion is survived by her siblings Dolores Raymundo, Dominador Briones Jr., Leticia Padua, Zenaida Smith, Juanito Briones, Alfredo Briones, Remedios Novicio, Mary Hayner, Rafael Briones and Anthony Briones, all reside in California. Predeceased by her parents and brother Angelino.

Friends may call at Mercy Center, 625 Abbott Rd. Buffalo, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2-8 p.m. A vigil service will be held at 7:30 p.m. and on Friday, Jan. 24, 2-3:45 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at 4 p.m. Burial service will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 10 a.m.