UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - A memorial mass was held Saturday to honor Sister Rose Vincent Gleason, the longtime president and CEO of St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

The Mass was held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Genesee Street in Utica, right across from the medical center.

Sister Rose Vincent Gleason passed away in November at the Jolenta Convent in Syracuse. She was 88 years old.

It was her wish to have her funeral in Syracuse as its the tradition of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. Her funeral was in late November in Syracuse, as she wished, and Saturday's mass meant many local people who could not make the trip in November could also attend a mass honoring her life.

Sister Patricia Burkhard, of the Sister of St. Francis General Ministry, said, "I would characterize her as a bigger than life person. She had a vision for the future. She was skilled in administration. She leaves a legacy that encourages us, I think, to follow in her footsteps."

Sister Rose Vincent Gleason served the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities for more than 60 years.