Sister Maristella Lastra, FMIJ, 84, an educator in South Jersey’s Catholic schools, died May 21 at the Delegation Convent of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Infant Jesus in Cherry Hill.
Born in Peru on June 6, 1937, she entered religious life in 1957, and professed vows March 19, 1960. Two years later, she left for the United States, joining her religious community in Minotola.
For more than 40 years, she worked with children in nursery school and pre-kindergarten at Saint Joseph Pro-Cathedral School, Camden, (1963-2001) and Guardian Angels Regional School, Gibbstown, (2001-2005).
Sister Maristella continued her apostolate at her community’s Delegation House.
“A true testimony to Franciscan joy, Sister Maristella shared her love for Jesus in all of her missions where she was assigned. Whether it was cooking, baking, teaching or spending time with the community, she did everything with her whole heart and soul,” her religious community said in announcing her death, adding that “she is fondly remembered by her former students [and] her many family, school and parish contacts. Sister will be missed by all of us who loved her, but her presence will continue as we allow her goodness to live through each of us.”
She was predeceased by her parents, Melquiades Lastra and Dictalina Olortiga, her Mamita Maria Lastra and her brother, Melchor. She is survived by her sisters, Eugenia and Francisca; her brothers, Timoteo, Santiago and Santos; her many beloved nieces and nephews, and her Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Infant Jesus.
There will be a viewing May 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. and May 26 from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Mass will follow at 11 a.m. All services will be held at Saint Michael Church, Saint Clare of Assisi Parish, 313 Memorial Ave., Gibbstown, NJ 08027.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Infant Jesus, 1215 Kresson Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
