Sr. Elaine M. Bane, OSF

BORN:                       Helen Catherine Mary Bane, on April 5, 1924. Cambridge, MA

DIED:                         December 10, 2023 at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY

DAUGHTER OF:      Michael and Helen Killilea Bane, Cambridge, MA

Sr. Eliane entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on September 8, 1947; was received into the Congregation on August 15, 1948 and professed her final vows on August 16, 1955.  For 75 years she faithfully lived her vows to the Congregation and the people of God.

Elaine attended Blessed Sacrament Elementary and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Cambridge, MA.  She attended Emmanuel College before entering the Congregation and continued her studies at St. Elizabeth Teacher’s College and graduated from St. Bonaventure University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy with a minor in English and later a Master of Arts Degree in Sacred Science. 

Her ministry to the Congregation began in the field of education to students in New Jersey, Florida, and New York.  In 1958, Sr. Elaine began a “cloistered community” for the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany and until 1972 when the name was changed to “Ritiro”.  Sr. Elaine worked with Thomas Merton while researching the idea of the Ritiro and made many retreats with Thomas Merton into the future.

She ministered as Area II Coordinator, in the Bronx, NY and shortly after began her mission in retreat work, spiritual direction, pastoral care and team ministry, serving as a Spiritual Director of the Franciscan Center, Tampa, FL, at St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL., St. Patrick’s Parish in Hartford, CT, and St. Francis Parish in Long Beach Island in NJ.

Upon retiring in 2001, Sr. Elaine spent time in West Medford and West Roxbury, MA, and Christ the King in Snyder, NY before being offered a warm welcome home to St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in 2015.  Although retired, Sr. Elaine made an incredible impact on those with whom she interacted.  A single moment of time shared with you by her sweet gaze and beautiful smile pulled you close enough to feel the warmth of her heart and soul. 

Sr. Elaine is predeceased by her parents, Michael and Helen Killilea Bane, brothers: John, Robert and Thomas Bane; sisters Marie Bane Leonard and Rita Curtis; first cousins: Sr. M. Sebastian, Sr. M. Leo and Sr. M. Martina, all Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  She is survived by many special nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

A wake service is scheduled for Friday, December 15th at 4:00PM in the chapel at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 16th, at 10:00AM in the chapel at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. Burial will follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. 646 East State Street, Olean, New York. For condolences, please visit www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.