In Memoriam

Clifford A. McCartan of West Seneca, NY, died on June 5, 2020 . A 1977 graduate of Hilbert College, he served the West Seneca community as a police officer for over 25 years. McCartan was a proud Eagle Scout, and a recipient of the Vigil Honor and St . George Award . In addition to his 70 total years with the Boy Scouts, he was a proud U .S . Army veteran . McCartan is survived by his wife Patricia, two sons and four grandchildren . Sandra (Saladyga) Hamerski of Hamburg, NY, died on October 5, 2020 . Sandra met life’s challenges head on with spirit and humor . As a single mother of four children, she worked two jobs to put herself through college . Sandra received an associate degree from Hilbert in 1979 and a Bachelor’s degree in English in 1999 . She worked for a Buffalo law firm for several years. In retirement, Sandra enjoyed volunteering with Crisis Services and served as a docent at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Graycliff in Derby . She was proud of her Polish heritage, especially the food and music . Sandra’s other hobbies included camping, hiking, cooking and watching cooking shows . Her favorite times were spent with her family . Sandra is survived by three daughters and five grandchildren. Her son Robert pre-deceased her .

Gloria J. Emerling (nee

Fiebelkorn) of Hamburg, NY, died on November 9, 2020 . Known to everyone as “Cookie”, she graduated from Hilbert College with a bachelor’s degree in Economic Crime Investigation in 2003 . She worked as a receptionist and greeter for the West Herr Automotive Group and enjoyed vacations in Las Vegas, dining out and spending time with her family . Gloria is survived by one daughter and four grandchildren .

Sister Mary Antonia Skorniak, FSSJ, died on November 2, 2020 . She was born Genevieve Skorniak in Buffalo, NY on January 3, 1926 . On January 5, 1952 she became a postulant, and on July 23, 1956 Sister Antonia professed her final vows. Sister Antonia received an associate degree from Hilbert College in 1963 . After receiving a bachelor’s degree in Education from Madonna College in Detroit, MI, Sister Antonia dedicated herself to educating young children at St . Vincent de Paul and St . Mary’s of the Lake near Hamburg, NY, St . Stanislaus in Trenton, NJ and St . Sebastian in Dearborn Heights, MI . Following her 51-year career in education, Sister turned her attention to convent volunteer ministries at Immaculate Conception Convent in Hamburg, NY. In 2012, she joined her Sisters in the Care Community, which later became St . Francis Park . Sister Edmunette Paczesny, FSSJ, Ph .D ., former president of Hilbert College, remembers Sister Antonia as a “very beautiful and holy person with a wonderful sense of humor .” To her family, former colleagues and sisters in community, Sister Antonia was known as a “fun-loving, gentle and compassionate person totally dedicated to her vocation to God .” She is survived by many nieces and nephews and her sisters in community . Sister Mary Presentia Stawicki, FSSJ, died on November 25, 2020 . She was born Sophia Stawicki in Medina, NY on May 16, 1931 . She entered the convent as a postulant on January 5, 1948 and professed her final vows on July 12, 1952 . For 30 years, Sister Presentia devoted herself to teaching and supporting students . Her teaching roles brought her to St . Joseph, Tonawanda, St . Michael in Bridgeport, CT, St . Sebastian, Dearborn Heights, MI, and St . Barnabas in Depew, NY . In Hamburg, NY, Sister Presentia served as a teacher, guidance counselor and principal at Immaculata Academy . From 1971-73, she served as Dean of Students at Hilbert College . Sister Presentia then changed course and devoted her time and gifts to pastoral care . She served in the CCD program and pastoral care at Sacred Heart Parish, Medina, NY and next at St . Clare Manor in Lockport, NY . For the last 30 years of her ministerial life, Sister Presentia served God’s people in her hometown of Medina as a Pastoral Associate at Sacred Heart Parish and then at Holy Trinity Parish . According to her obituary, “Sister Presentia will be remembered for her generosity of heart, spirit and service to others. Her joyful manner endeared her to all whom she served . ”

HC