Sister Sheila Sentiff, a Sister of Mercy for 59 years, was called home to God on January 29, 2016, after a courageous battle with cancer. Sister Sheila ministered in many places throughout the Diocese of Rochester and in a variety of occupations. She was a teacher in the primary grades in Newark, Elmira and Henrietta for over ten years. She held a BS in Education from Medaille College in Buffalo. In 1974 she earned her Trinity Montessori Certificate from Ithaca College. The next few years found her teaching at various Montessori schools. Following a prolonged renewal in Rome, Italy, Sister Sheila volunteered as a teacher and office worker and then spent a year teaching in Mount Rainier, Maryland. Upon her return to Rochester, she began ministering as a teacher and catechist for Trinity Montessori School. The religion curriculum, which she wrote for catechists teaching in the Montessori School system, continues to be valued and taught today. As Director of the Good Shepherd Religious Center for Children, Sister Sheila’s goal was to “create a spiritual experience for young children, based on the Parables and events in the life of Jesus, with an overall goal of leading to prayer.”

She is survived by her brother, Gary (JoAnne) Sentiff of Phoenix, AZ., niece and nephews, the Sisters of Mercy, and her Montessori friends.

Friends are welcome Friday, February 5 from 4-7 PM at Mercy Center, 1437 Blossom Road, where her vigil service will be held at 7:00 PM. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, February 6 at 10:00 AM at Mercy Center. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to the Sisters of Mercy.