Sister Marcella Marie Garus, third president of Villa Maria College, passed away on February 12, 2026.
Sister Marcella dedicated 50 years of her life to serving Villa Maria College. Her legacy began in 1968 as a business administrator, a role she held until her appointment as president in 1978, a position she held for the next 40 years. As president, Sister Marcella’s dedication to faith, education, student and faculty experience, community impact, and continued institutional viability was a hallmark of her service.
Some of Sister Marcella’s most notable accomplishments include:
- Transformed Villa Maria College from an associate degree-granting college to a bachelor’s degree-granting institution—adding six associate degrees and 14 bachelor’s degrees.
- Led College fundraising efforts resulting in millions of dollars raised to benefit students.
- Launched the College’s Visionary Plan, which yielded a 30 percent growth in enrollment and a 10 percent increase in retention.
- Enhanced the campus environment by creating and renovating new spaces and structures, including, the St. Joseph Memorial Walkway, the Art Shop, Felician Hall, St. Francis Residence, and the Paul William Beltz Family Art Gallery.
- Impacted thousands of lives through her leadership of Felician-Franciscan higher education.
“Sister Marcella Marie Garus embodied the very heart of Villa Maria College. Her unwavering dedication to our students, her deep commitment to our mission, and her quiet but powerful leadership shaped this institution in ways that will be felt for generations,” said Dr. Matthew Giordano, president of Villa Maria College. “Sister Marcella believed deeply in the transformative power of education, and she lived that belief every day through her service, compassion, and faith. We are profoundly grateful for her countless contributions and will forever carry her legacy forward at Villa Maria.”
As a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Felix of Cantalice (Felician Sisters), Sister Marcella devoted herself to educational service and the task of making Villa Maria College a truly faith-based, student-centric institution with premier programs in art, music, and health science. In addition to instilling advanced organizational processes that modernized the college’s administration, Sister Marcella helped create various new academic programs in fields such as occupational therapy, digital filmmaking and digital media, and communication that welcomed a diverse array of students interested in these versatile disciplines.
A recipient of various accolades and honors, Sister Marcella was awarded the prestigious Bishop’s Medal for Catholic Education, the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education, the New York State Senate Women of Distinction commendation, the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities Higher Education Leadership Award, and the Am-Pol Eagle Citizen of the Year designation.
A true steward of the Villa Maria College vision and mission, Sister Marcella’s allegiance to the institution and its enduring spirit of excellence allowed her to celebrate both its 25th and 50th anniversaries, a unique and meaningful experience for any leader in higher education.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Villa Maria) Convent, 600 Doat Street, Buffalo, NY 14211. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Villa Maria) Chapel. Immediately following, Sister Marcella will be laid to rest in St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Buffalo.
