Sister Sandra Teevens

1939 - 2022

Sr. Sandra Teevens, OSF

ALLEGANY - Sr. Sandra Teevens, OSF, passed away Friday (Aug. 12, 2022) at Olean General Hospital.

She was born Aug. 30, 1939, Woon-socket, R.I., the daughter of Frederick Norman Teevens, Eleanor Walsh Blanchette and Ernest Blanchette, of Woonsocket.

Sr. Sandra "Sandy" entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany Sept. 8, 1958; was received into the Congregation on July 2, 1959; and professed her final vows on July 3, 1966.

Sr. Sandy attended elementary, middle and high schools in Woonsocket, graduating in 1957. She attended St. Elizabeth Teachers College, graduating from St. Bonaventure University with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. In 1990, she earned a Master of Arts degree in pastoral ministry from LaSalle University, Philadelphia, Pa.

She began her ministry in education teaching in congregational schools in Buffalo, Ashville, N.C., Everett, Mass, Alexandria, Va. and Wood-Ridge, N.J.

After many years as an educator, Sr. Sandy served with the poor and marginalized in Camden, N.J. and at St. Francis Inn, Philadelphia, as well as in parish/social ministry in Winston Salem, N.C.

In 1991, Sister became the County Director of Catholic Social Services in Cape May, N.J., working for the Diocese of Camden until 1996. Her desire to work with and help people took her to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, where she was a family care coordinator in various departments of the hospital, and in 2005, she focused specifically on assisting in the emergency department, a position she held until 2010.

Sandy's warmth, caring nature and compassion were instrumental in her success as an educator and social services advocate. Her thoughts were always focused on helping and sharing her gifts of laughter and magical smile with those around her.

In 2011, Sr. Sandy returned to St. Elizabeth Motherhouse and fulfilled many internal ministries. Early in 2022, she fully retired due to health issues.

She is survived by a stepsister, Deborah Wojciechowski; stepbrother, Ernest (Dyana) Blanchette Jr; three nieces, Stephanie, Sarah and Amy; as well as two grandnieces, Eliana and Genevieve.

Sandy is predeceased by her father, Frederick Norman Teevens; mother, Eleanor Walsh Blanchette; stepfather, Ernest Blanchette; a brother, David Teevens; and step-brother-in-law, Joseph Wojciechowski.

A Wake Service will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 18, 2022) in the Chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday (Aug. 19, 2022) in the Motherhouse Chapel, followed by burial in St. Bonaventure Cemetery Allegany.

The funeral arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean.

For condolences and comments, please visit www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.