Sister Mary Grace DeJoseph, a member of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy, and a former principal and teacher in the Diocese of Camden’s Catholic schools, died Dec. 13 at the Misericordia Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in York, Pa. She was 87.
Born Nov. 17, 1935, in Hazleton, Pa., she was the daughter of Ralph and Mildred (Gentilesco) DeJoseph. Sister Mary Grace entered the Congregation of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy, in Newfield, N.J., in October 1954 and professed her vows on Aug. 15, 1957.
With a bachelor of science in elementary education, as well as a master’s in education, she taught for a number of years, including seventh and eighth grade at Saint Joseph Elementary School, Swedesboro. As well, Sister Mary Grace served as principal at Newfield’s Saint Rose of Lima Elementary School, and in other schools administered by her religious order in the Dioceses of Harrisburg and Scranton, (Pa.); Springfield (Mass.), and Buffalo, N.Y. She was also the administrator of Holy Child Nursery, York, for three years.
Starting in 1975, she served in roles as provincial secretary, provincial councilor, provincial vicar, and from 1984 to 1990 as provincial superior of the Daughters of Mercy.
During part of these years, she was also CCD coordinator for Our Lady of Pompei Parish, Vineland.
Sister Mary Grace “will forever be remembered for her sense of humor, her dedication to her community and ministerial works, her love for all people, her spirit of adventure, her journalistic skill, and for her untiring zeal to spread the Gospel message,” her religious community wrote in announcing her death.
She is predeceased by her parents and her brother Robert. She is survived by her brother, Ralph DeJoseph, and his wife, Pat; sister-in-law Barbara DeJoseph numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and her religious sisters of the Newfield Province.
A church visitation will be held for family and friends at Villa Rossello, 1009 Main Road, Newfield, on Dec. 20 at 2 p.m., followed by her burial in the Pieta Cemetery. It is requested that everyone who attends to please wear a face mask.
Contributions in memory of Sister Mary Grace may be made to: Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy, Villa Rossello, 1009 Main Road, Newfield, N.J., 08344. To send online condolences, visit www.ronefuneralservice.com.
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