Sister M. Bernardine Lolli, a Daughter of Our Lady of Mercy, former teacher, principal and parish minister in the Diocese of Camden, died April 30. At the time of her death, Sister Bernardine had resided at Misericordia Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in York, Pa.
Born in Buena Vista Township, she entered her religious community in 1952 and professed her vows Aug. 15, 1954. She held a bachelor of science degree in elementary education and a master of arts degree in education administration.
In the Diocese of Camden, she was dedicated to Catholic education, serving as a teacher at Saint Mary Magdalen School, Millville (1954-1961), and Saint Mary School, East Vineland (1961-1962). She was also principal at Saint Mary from 1964-1972 and again from 1984-2003, as well as at Saint Francis of Assisi School, Vineland (1978-1984).
From 1972 to 1978, she served as provincial superior of her religious community at Villa Rossello in Newfield.
After her retirement in 2003, she continued her ministry to the Diocese of Camden at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Newfield, bringing Holy Communion to the homebound.
“She will forever be remembered for her friendliness, her dedication to her community, her deep love for all people and her untiring zeal to spread the Gospel message by example as well as by words. Many lives have been touched by her presence,” her religious community said in announcing her passing.
She is predeceased by her parents, John and Nella Lolli, and her sisters Alma and Enrica (Ricky) Mariotti.
In addition to her religious community, she is survived by nephews John Mariotti and his wife, Margaret, of Jefferson Township, Pa.; Peter Mariotti and his wife, Denise, of Philadelphia; Mark Mariotti and his wife, Marian, of Manchester By the Sea, Mass.; and nieces Joan and her husband, Richard Czajkowski, of New Braunfels, Texas; and Patricia and her husband, David Schwartz, of Caribou, Maine, along with numerous great- and great-great nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held from 9-11:30 a.m. May 7 in the chapel of Villa Rossello, Newfield, followed by a Mass of Resurrection. She will be buried at Pietá Cemetery on the Villa Rossello grounds.