June 22, 1937 — October 21, 2023

Allegany

BORN:                       Roberta Ellen Brunner, June 22, 1937, Olean, NY

DIED:                         October 21, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY.

DAUGHTER OF:      Edward and Helen Duffy Brunner, Allegany, NY

Roberta entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on January 4, 1959, was received into the Congregation on July 2, 1959, and professed her final vows on July 3, 1966. For 64 years, Sister lived her commitment to Franciscan values through her ministry and life in community.

Roberta attended St. Bonaventure Elementary School and graduated from St. Elizabeth Academy, Allegany, NY. She attended St. Bonaventure University, Allegany, NY and D’Youville College, Buffalo, NY, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She pursued graduate studies at St. Clare’s School of Nursing in New York, New York, University of Rochester and the State University of New York in Buffalo, NY, where she graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing and a minor in Administration.

A registered nurse and Administrator, Roberta worked in Congregational hospitals: Our Lady of Lourdes, Camden, NJ; St. Elizabeth Hospital, New York, New York; St. Joseph’s Hospital, Tampa. FL where she served in many roles including Director of Inservice Education, Director of Nursing, Instructor in Staff Development, Coordinator of Cancer Care Center, and a Clinical Cancer Specialist.

Roberta also served as the Director of Retirement, Administrator of St. Francis Residence, Tampa, FL, St. Joseph Villa Convent, Catskill, NY, and as a Case Manager for The Dwelling Place of NY. Sister also served as Region III Councilor, Congregational Councilor, Region I Minister and Local Minister of St. Elizabeth Convent, Tampa, FL.

After the conclusion of her Congregational services, Roberta worked part-time and later volunteered at The Franciscan Center, Tampa, FL. She also volunteered at the Trinity Café, Tampa, FL.

Roberta officially retired in 2017 and was warmly welcomed home to St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY.

Roberta is predeceased by her parents, Edward and Helen Duffy Brunner; brothers: Paul and Patrick Brunner.  She survived by brothers: Edward (Judith) Brunner of Brooksville, FL, and Richard (Bonnie) Brunner of Portville, NY.  Roberta is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A wake is scheduled for 4:00PM on Friday, November 3, 2023, in the chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 10:00AM in the chapel of 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.