Sister Janice McFarland, age 91, a Sister of Mercy for 74 years died peacefully on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at St. Mary Home in West Hartford. Born in New Haven of the late Joseph and Catherine (Colligan) McFarland, she was raised in nearby Hamden CT. She graduated from Lauralton Hall and entered the Sisters of Mercy on June 27, 1945. She pronounced her vows on January 2, 1948. She earned a B.A. degree from University of St. Joseph then St. Joseph College. Sister did additional advanced studies at Sacred Heart University and Fordham University. She received a M.A. degree in Elementary Administration from Catholic University, Washington D.C. Sister’s dedication to elementary education as a teacher was remarkable covering a period of 53 years. Sister Janice became a very successful school principal after 20 years teaching upper grades in several parishes throughout the Dioceses of Hartford and Bridgeport. Most notable was her extended tenure as Principal of St. Stephen School in Hamden enabling her to academically impact thousands of students for future achievement and career success. She became principal of St. Stephen School in 1980. As an outstanding administrator, she gave herself untiringly to that ministry until 2001. After retirement, Sister Janice returned to her beloved St. Stephen parish school as a willing volunteer for an additional decade until she took up residence at St. Mary Home. For relaxation, she looked forward to Friday pizza suppers on Wooster St. in New Haven with friends. She loved family and looked forward to leisure time with her nieces and their families. That mutual love and respect was returned to Aunt Janice in abundance. Sister was predeceased by her loving parents, two brothers, Paul and Joseph and her closest friend of more than 50 years, Sister Marion Paul Lillis. She is survived by five nieces: Mary Piccolo, Kathy Seeley, Lynn Magun, Nancy Upchurch, Ann Rufin, their spouses and several grandnieces. Sister Janice will be greatly missed by her community of Sisters of Mercy. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 20 at 11:00a.m.at St. Mary Home Chapel, 2021 Albany Ave. West Hartford preceded by calling hours at 9:30 a.m. A light lunch will immediately follow the Funeral Mass. Burial will take place at 1:00p.m. in St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Sister’s memory are encouraged to consider Sisters of Mercy, 25 Prescott St., West Hartford, CT 06110. Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home has care of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com