Sister M. Benita Kordiak, OSF
February 6, 2026
Sister Antoinette Dudek (Sister Toni, formerly Sister M. Magdalita) died peacefully at Rosary Care Center in Sylvania, Ohio on February 3, 2026. The daughter of Walter and Genevieve Dudek came to the convent in 1961 from SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Detroit, Michigan. When she was a teenager, she told her father she wanted to be a missionary. He told her she was too young, but she persisted. As a compromise, Sister Toni came to Sylvania to be a Sylvania Franciscan Sister. She made her first profession of vows in 1964 and her final profession in 1969.
Sister Toni was a charismatic woman who dedicated her life as a Sylvania Franciscan to the ministry of education. Both as teacher and principal, Sister focused on serving children with special needs. She was well prepared for the teaching ministry with a B.A degree from Mary Manse College, Toledo; an M.A. in Special Education from the University of Toledo; and an Ed.D. in Early and Middle Childhood from Nova University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She began teaching children with special needs at St. Francis Education Center in Sylvania where she also served as principal. Her experience and expertise eventually led her to work at the National Catholic Education Association in Washington, D.C. It was there that she pioneered programs and workshops for teachers in Catholic schools working with children with special needs. While working at NCEA, she published a book titled “Is There Room for Me?” that became a valuable resource for many special education teachers.
Reflecting on her life for her 50th Jubilee, Sister Toni recalled being inspired by the writings of Thomas Merton and the simple, caring lifestyle of Dr. Tom Dooley. Sister Toni’s lifelong philosophy is echoed in Helen Keller’s words of wisdom: “I am only one: but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do.”
Sister Toni will be greatly missed by her Sisters in Community, her sister Maryanne Bagley, brother John (Angela) Dudek, sister-in-law Marlene Dudek, many nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as her caregivers at Rosary Care Center and her many friends. She will be missed for her warm smile, her sense of humor, the respectful and gracious thank you for services rendered, and especially for appreciating people for just being who they are. Sister Toni, “there is room for you” in heaven!
The Welcome Service for Sister Toni will be held Monday, February 9, 2026, at 6:00PM in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel in Sylvania. The Liturgy will take place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 10:30AM in the Chapel and it will be livestreamed here: https://video.ibm.com/channel/RvdadQRjbGk
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis, Sylvania, Ohio. Arrangements by the Thomas I. Wisniewski Funeral Home, Toledo, Ohio.
Written by Sister Mary Thill
