GOFFSTOWN - Michaela Tkacz (formerly Louise), 77, a member of the Sisters of Mercy for 59 years, died Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at her home after battling cancer. A native of Manchester, NH, she born on Aug. 19, 1939, the daughter of the late Joseph and Madeline Tkacz. She is predeceased by her brother Stanley Tkacz and her mother's second husband Leon Pellerin. Michaela attended St. Casimir School and celebrate Polish holiday traditions with her family. From an early age Michaela was concerned for the needs of others. She entered the NH Sisters of Mercy in 1957 after graduating from St. Joseph High School. Her life was lived according to the Mercy fourth vow of service to the poor, sick, and uneducated. Michaela taught 2nd and 3rd grade in various Catholic elementary schools in Gloucester, MA, Keene, Concord, Derry, and Manchester, NH. Michaela, a natural musician, enriched her school career with this special talent. In the late 1970's She left teaching to work in health care as a secretary in the Lab and in Medical Records at Catholic Medical Center, Manchester. This work supported Michaela's ministry to needy families living in Manchester's Rock Rimmon Housing Project. In 1998 Michaela helped found The Way Home, a community-based nonprofit assisting homeless and those at risk of homelessness to secure decent housing. Michaela was known for her generosity and her humor. Her illness forced her to retire from The Way Home in October 2015. Michaela is survived by her long-time friend, Mary Sliney, her niece Debbie and nephews Michael and John, her Aunt Stella Russell, cousins Stephen, Peter, Danny, Tim , Maureen, and Carolyn, and her Mercy community.SERVICES: Friends may call at the Durning, Bykowski & Young Funeral Home, 285 Manchester Street, Manchester, NH on Wednesday, Nov. 2, from 4-6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Hedwig Church, Beech Street, Manchester, NH. Memorial donations may be made to The Way Home, 214 Spruce Street, Manchester, NH 03103 or on line at www.thewayhomenh.org.Go to www.durningbykowskiandyoung.com to sign an on-line register.