Obituary: Religious Teachers Filippini Sister Anne Marie Pace

Religious Teachers Filippini Sister Anne Marie Pace, 98, who taught at St. Ann School, Raritan Borough, and Perth Amboy Catholic School, died Oct. 14 at St. Joseph Hall Infirmary, Villa Walsh, Morristown.

Born in Dunmore, Pa., Sister Anne Marie entered the Religious Teachers Filippini in 1940. She received the habit in 1941 and made her religious profession in 1945.  

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education at Seton Hall University, South Orange; and a Master of Science degree in social studies at Canisius College, Buffalo.

In addition to the Diocese of Metuchen, in her 81 years of religious life, Sister Anne Marie ministered as a classroom teacher in the archdioceses and dioceses of Baltimore, Hartford, Newark, Scranton and Trenton.

The fruits of her love for teaching and guiding children in the faith were evident in the many students who continued corresponding with Sister Anne Marie long after they graduated from elementary school.

In 1999, Sister Anne Marie was honored by the Diocese of Trenton as an Outstanding Catholic Educator in recognition of her faithful and dedicated service to the Catholic community.

Sister Anne Marie retired to the Motherhouse at Villa Walsh in 2020.

One of 10 children, Sister Anne Marie was predeceased by her parents, Domenick Pace and Mary Santarsiero; her six brothers and three sisters. She is survived by several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins. 

A funeral Mass was celebrated Oct. 19 at St. Lucy Chapel, Villa Walsh Interment was at Ave Maria Cemetery at Villa Walsh.

Arrangements were handled by Bongiovi Funeral Home, Raritan.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Religious Teachers Filippini, c/o Sister Patricia Pompa, MPF, Villa Walsh, 455 Western Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960.