Sister Mary Madonna Vona, 93, a Sister of Mercy and former teacher at St. Nicholas School in Atlantic City, died Feb. 21 at McAuley Hall Healthcare Center in Watchung, N.J.
Born in South Amboy, N.J., one of 14 children, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1936.
In addition to teaching at St. Nicholas School, 1942-43, she also taught at other schools in New Jersey.
“Sister felt that during her 50 years of teaching in elementary school she was able to influence the younger children in their love for God. It was something that she treasured,” the community said in announcing her death.
In 1991, she moved from education to offer her services at St. Mary Parish in Perth Amboy. Later, she moved to Gabriel Hall at Mount St. Mary, and eventually to McAuley Hall.
She is survived by her brothers, Father Michael Vona and John Vona, both of New Jersey; a sister, Frances Kosmoski of New Jersey; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews; and Sisters of Mercy in the Mid-Atlantic Community.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Feb. 25 at McAuley Hall Health Care Center. Burial was in Holy Redeemer Cemetery, South Plainfield.
Memorial donations may be made to Sisters of Mercy Mid-Atlantic Community, 1645 Highway 22, Watchung, NJ 07069.