Sister Francis Marie Vallone, a Franciscan nun for 75 years, taught religion and assisted applicants and new members in her early years in the order. In her later years, Sister Vallone developed ministries to the elderly, including those living in nursing homes.

"She loved her ministries," said Sister Peggy Wetzel, of the Western New York regional office. "She loved people and to be able to serve them." Sister Vallone died at age 96 in Mercy Center in Lackawanna, where she had lived for several months.