Sister Vilma Cozzini, MPF, 82, who served at schools in Hammonton and Haddon Township, died April 27 at Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, N.J.
In the Camden Diocese, she taught English at St. Joseph High School, Hammonton from 1961-66. From 1966-76, she served at Paul VI High School, Haddon Township, first as an English teacher, and later as a guidance counselor. In 1988, Sister Vilma returned to St. Joseph, where she was a guidance counselor until 1991.
Born in Newark, Sister Vilma entered the Religious Teachers Filippini on April 25, 1954. Prior to entering the Religious Teachers Filippini, she was a clerk typist and stenographer for the State of New Jersey, Department of Labor and Industry.
Sister Vilma was awarded a B.A. Degree in English from the College of St. Elizabeth, Convent Station, New Jersey; and a Master’s in Student Personnel Services from Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ.
In addition to ministering in schools in New Jersey and Connecticut, she was vocation directress of the Religious Teachers Filippini, and assigned to minister in the archives of her religious community, which she did until retiring to St. Joseph Hall Infirmary, Villa Walsh, Morristown.
Sister Vilma served as a member of Provincial Chapters of the religious community. She also organized and coordinated the first Oasis Day of Prayer for Women, which is held annually. She addressed the National Catholic Education Association and other professional audiences in New Jersey on a Suicide Prevention Program and she was honored as “Guidance Counselor of the Year.”
She is survived by her sister Aurelia Stypulkoski, her brothers Nello and Dorino and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Tranquillo and Brigida (Beltrami), and her brother, Reverend Robert Cozzini.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on April 30 at St. Lucy Chapel, Villa Walsh, Morristown. Interment followed at Ave Maria Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sr. Vilma will be accepted to St. Joseph Hall Infirmary, c/o Sister Betty Jean Takacs, MPF, Provincial Superior, Villa Walsh, 455 Western Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960-4928.