I am a Jersey girl ! I was born and spent the first 17 years of my life in Jersey City. My father, Al, worked for Bethlehem Steel in Hoboken and my mother, Estelle, for the Equitable in New York City. Because I am an only child, my parents warmly and generously welcomed my friends to our home and to share
our vacations. Two of my dearest friends, with whom I am still close, became my friends in the fifth grade.
My family belonged to Our Lady of Sorrows Parish. At that time ,it was an Italian national church. I went to Our Lady of Sorrows School where I was one of three in my class who were not Italian!! We were taught by the Religious Teachers Filippini and had Italian lessons twice a week. I then attended Saint Dominic Academy where I met another dear friend, Sister Elise!
In 1955, I became a member of the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell, During my first years of religious life, I taught first grade at three different schools. I was then assigned to teach French at my alma mater, St. Dominic’s. (I received a Masters in French at Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts.). In 1973, I left St. Dominic’s to teach at Mount Saint Dominic ,in Caldwell.
After 15 years at the Mount, Sister Elise called me and told me that Sister Alice was looking for a Director of Volunteers for Hudson Hospice. I interviewed for the position and was accepted to recruit, train and supervise the volunteers who visit terminally ill patients throughout Hudson County.
I happily returned to OLS and to Jersey City (practically around the corner from where I lived as a child.) I’ve been here since 1988 and enjoy my ministry, my sisters, and being a part of my church family.