GALLERY: Sister of Mercy and friends surprise Sister Alice with celebration
By Andrew Harris, photos by Ella Green,
For a Catholic Sister of Mercy, three big milestones are celebrated. On the 25th anniversary of taking vows is the Silver Jubilee, at the 50 year mark is the Golden Jubilee, and for the lucky ones the Diamond Jubilee celebrates 75 years of commitment. Very few are able to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee, Western New York Catholic institution Sister Alice Roach is “one of the lucky ones,” as the late great John “Jack” Sweeney often quipped.
Mary Ann Newark, a lifelong parishoner of Immaculate Conception, and a legendary Kindergarten teacher at Immaculate Conception School, knows Sister Alice well and offered these thoughts for her 75 years serving the faith:
We are blessed beyond words to know someone like Sister Alice whose unwavering love has changed our lives. In her presence, faith feels gentle and possible, not distant or demanding. She has a way of seeing people fully, meeting them exactly where they are, with kindness that asks for nothing in return.
Through simple gestures, patient listening, and steady encouragement, she has shown us what it truly means to live a life of service. Her journey, however, was not an easy one.
As a young girl, she persevered through the uncertainty and hardship of foster care, learning early what it meant to be strong in the face of change. In those years when stability was not guaranteed, the Sisters became a source of light and refuge for her. They offered her not only care and guidance, but also love, faith, and a sense of belonging when she needed it most. Their example planted the seeds of hope that would later grow into her own vocation.
Her spirit is not loud or showy; it is found in resilience, compassion, and an unshakable trust in God’s goodness. Having known hardship herself, she carries a deep tenderness for others, especially those who feel unseen or forgotten. When we struggle, she reminds us of our worth. When we doubt ourselves, she believes for us. Her words carry hope, and her actions teach more than sermons ever could.
Because of her, our hearts are softer, our faith is deeper, and our lives are richer. Her life is a testament to the power of perseverance, love, and grace. Knowing Sister Alice is a gift, and loving her is a blessing we carry with us every day.
This isn’t the first surprise party thrown recently for this famous Sister of Mercy. For her 90th birthday the Wellsville Sun covered the action and offers this look back:
