Sister Mary Palance, MPF, 95, former teacher at Saint Joseph Elementary School in Hammonton, died Nov. 15 at Saint Joseph Hall, Villa Walsh, Morristown.
Born and raised in Bristol, Conn., she entered the Religious Teachers Filippini in 1939, received her habit in 1940 and made her religious profession in 1943.
From 1940-42, and again from 1949-50, she taught at Saint Joseph Elementary School in Hammonton. She also taught at other schools in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Ohio, and was principal at Saint Mary School, Cranston, R.I., and Saint Anthony School, Bristol. Sister Mary served as superior at her order’s convents in Rhode Island and Connecticut.
She was assistant directress for novices, provincial superior in Queen of Apostles Province, Bristol; provincial councilor for two terms; and general council for the Institute at the Generalate level in Rome.
In 1996, Sister Mary became director of the Archbishop Daniel Cronin’s residence in West Hartford, Conn, and remained there until 2015, when she retired to Saint Joseph Hall.
“Sister Mary’s greatest asset was her willingness to serve in any capacity that fulfilled the mission of the community,” her order stated upon her death. “The legacy she leaves behind is her spirit of joy, generosity and service.”
Sister Mary is pre-deceased by her parents, Francisco Palance and Rosina (Perone) Palance; brothers: Philip, Donato, Anthony, Michael, and sisters Louise, Lucy, Josephine, Sister Grace Palance, MPF and Theresa. She is survived by James (of Bristol) and Matthew (of Henderson, Nev.) and many nieces and nephews.
Donations may be sent to Saint Joseph Hall, c/o Sister Ascenza Tizzano, MPF, Provincial Superior, Villa Walsh, 455 Western Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960.
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