Archdiocese of Newark obituaries: December 2022
We remember and pray for our dearly departed clergy and men and women religious whose Masses of Christian Burial were held in December:
Sister Marie Irma Kessler, SC
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, for Sister Marie Irma Kessler at the Holy Family Chapel, Convent Station, N.J.
Sister Kessler, 89, a Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, died Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022, at Saint Joseph’s Healthcare and Rehab, Cedar Grove, N.J.
Sister Kessler was born in Baltimore, Md., the daughter of John and Irma A. (Hoerr) Kessler. She entered the Sisters of Charity on Oct. 1, 1951 and was a member for 71 years.
Sister Kessler graduated from the College of Saint Elizabeth, Convent Station, N.J. with a B.A. degree in Biology, from the University of Notre Dame an M.S. in Biology, and from the University of Maine with a Ph.D. degree in Biology.
Sister Kessler served in the education ministry in New Jersey and Maine. She served as a teacher at Saint Peter High School, New Brunswick; St. Bridget School, Jersey City; and East Orange Catholic High School, East Orange. She was an instructor in Biology at Newark State College, Newark. She was a biology researcher at the University of Maine. She was an assistant professor at Seton Hall University, and an assistant and associate professor at the College of Saint Elizabeth.
Sister Kessler was a consummate scientist, publishing a host of articles and receiving many awards over her lifetime. Along with her scientific giftedness, she pursued interests in technology, was a licensed HAM radio operator, worked as a consultant for Radio Shack, and served as Treasurer for the Sisters of Charity motherhouse community for many years.
Brilliant and unassuming, living out the charism of Charity, Sister Kessler was a clear example of living a life of Humility, Simplicity and Charity. She resided at the Convent of Saint Elizabeth, Convent Station as a part of the Motherhouse community since 1979. In March 2021, due to health concerns, Sister Kessler moved to reside at Saint Joseph Healthcare and Rehab Center until her death.
She is survived by the Sisters of Charity; sisters Carol, Nancy and Jacqueline; and one brother, John as well as many nieces and nephews.
Sister Audrey Moloughney, SC
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, for Sister Audrey Moloughney at the Holy Family Chapel, Convent Station, N.J.
Sister Moloughney, 87, (formerly Sister Maria Madonna), a Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, died Nov. 21, 2022, at Saint Joseph’s Healthcare and Rehab, Cedar Grove, N.J.
Sister Moloughney was born in Jersey City, N.J., the daughter of Arthur and Catherine (Kane) Moloughney. She was the oldest of 10 siblings. She entered the Sisters of Charity on March 6, 1953 and was a member for 69 years. Sister Moloughney graduated from the College of Saint Elizabeth with a BA degree in English and from Jersey City State College with an MA degree in Counseling.
Sister Moloughney was an educator and an alcoholism counselor in New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, and the Virgin Islands. She served as a teacher at Sacred Heart School, Jersey City, Saint Philip Neri School, Newark, Our Lady of Grace school, Hoboken, Saint Mary’s High School, Jersey City and as a teacher and principal at Saints Peter and Paul School, Virgin Islands.
She was project counselor at Pretrial Intervention Project, Jersey City, an alcohol therapist at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch and a consultant for alcoholism concerns at Saint Columba School and Parish, Newark. She worked as the director of Community Life Centers in Hohokus, New Jersey, Haverstraw, N.Y. and Highland Falls, N.Y.; and at the Convent for Renewed Life, Middletown N.Y. She was a program clinician for the MICA (mentally ill/chemically addicted) program at Mountainside Hospital, Montclair NJ and Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Elizabeth N.J.
As a professional in mental health and addiction treatment, Sister Moloughney brought many people to lives of renewed health and recovery. A skilled listener and faithful to the mission of the Sisters of Charity, Sister Moloughney spent many years serving, as the Sisters of Charity principal purpose states, “those who through shame might conceal their necessities.”
Upon retirement in 2013, Sister Moloughney moved to the Convent of Saint Elizabeth in Convent Station, N.J. and in 2021, due to increased health concerns, Sister Moloughney moved to Saint Joseph’s Healthcare and Rehab, Cedar Grove, N.J.
Predeceased by her parents and two siblings, Sister Audrey is survived by the Sisters of Charity; five brothers, two sisters, many nieces, and nephews as well as many grandnieces and grandnephews.
Sister Joan Eileen Butler, SC
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, for Sister Joan Eileen Butler at the Holy Family Chapel, Convent Station, N.J.
Sister Butler, 88, a Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, died suddenly, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022 at Bay Shore Medical Center, Holmdel, N.J.
Sister Butler was born in Jersey City, N.J., the daughter of John and Josepha (Kayet) Butler. She entered the Sisters of Charity on Sept. 6, 1955, and was a member for 67 years.
Sister Butler graduated from the College of Saint Elizabeth with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education.
Sister Joan Eileen was an educator and served in health ministry in New Jersey and Massachusetts. She served as a teacher at Saint Peter Elementary School, New Brunswick; Our Lady of Grace School, Hoboken; and Our Lady of Lourdes School, West Orange. She also ministered as a nurse’s aide at Saint Anne Villa, Convent Station, N.J.; Elizabeth Seton Residence, Wellesley, Mass.; and Omna Health Care in Montclair, N.J. She retired in 2006.
After her retirement, Sister Butler continued to reside at Our Lady of Lourdes Convent where she continued to volunteer. In June, Sister Joan Eileen moved to the Convent of Saint Elizabeth.
Sister Butler had an uplifting and positive spirit. Her quick-witted manner brought laughter to those around her. She had great generosity and was always ready to help anyone in need. She was an avid reader and correspondent to many by mail and phone. Her diverse interests brought her many friends and acquaintances. As a faithful Sister of Charity, she strove to make God’s love known in the world.
Sister Butler was predeceased by her parents, her sister Gloria Giaimo, nephews Stephen Verheul, Frank Verheul and niece Judith Giaimo. She is survived by her Sister of Charity family, her sister Dorothy Verheul (Mukilteo, WA), many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, and many friends.
Sister Catherine Gerard Kirchner, OP
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, for Sister Catherine Gerard Kirchner at Saint Aloysius Church in Caldwell, N.J.
Sister Kirchner, 93, a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell for 74 years died on Dec. 17, 2022 at Saint Catherine of Siena Healthcare Center in Caldwell N.J.
A woman of wisdom, kindness, and unending gratitude, Sister Kirchner first learned of God’s love for her from her parents, Gerard and Loretta (Fetherston) Kirchner. She entered the Sisters of Saint Dominic on Aug. 30, 1948, received the habit on April 21, 1949, made first profession on April 22, 1950, and final profession on April 22, 1956.
Sister Kirchner earned a BA from Caldwell University (formerly Caldwell College) in Social Studies and Elementary Education and a MA from Fairfield University in Administration. Sister held certifications in Religion and Elementary Religion C.C.D. from Theological Union and Catholic University.
Sister Kirchner was a dedicated and gifted educator. She taught elementary and junior high students at St. Aeden, Jersey City; Ascension, New Milford; St. Theresa, Paterson; and Lacordaire Academy, Upper Montclair and was principal at St. Thomas More, Fairfield. She served as a Pastoral Minister at Mt. Carmel, Nutley and St. Joseph, Bogota; and as Director of Religious Education at Mt. Carmel, Nutley and Blessed Sacrament, Roseland. For her last eight years in active ministry, Sister Kirchner was assistant director at Lumen Center in Caldwell.
During her retirement, Sister Kirchner was the leader of many prayer groups. Refreshments and comradery were always part of the prayer experience. Whenever and wherever there was a need, sister continued to generously serve others.
We can honor Sister Catherine’s memory by striving to manifest to others the Gospel message she lived so gently and lovingly, “to love God and our neighbors.”
Sister Catherine Gerard was predeceased by her parents, Gerard and Loretta Kirchner, her siblings, Loretta Owen, Gerard ‘Bud’ Kirchner, Rita Kennedy, Theresa Ebert, and Rev. Fr. Frederick G. ‘John’ Kirchner, OFM.
Sister is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins, dear friends, and her loving Sisters of Saint Dominic.
Sister Mary Charitine Spitalniak, C.S.S.F.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, for Sister Mary Charitine Spitalniak at Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel in Lodi, N.J.
Sister Spitalniak, of the Felician Franciscan Sisters, died on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022.
Sister Spitalniak had a long career in education. Her ministries for the Archdiocese of Newark included: Saint Stanislaus School, Newark,: Saint Stanislaus School, Garfield; Saint Theresa School, Linden; Immaculate Conception Convent, Lodi; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, Bayonne; Immaculate Conception High School, Lodi; Provincial House, Lodi; Saint Michael School, Lyndhurst; and Felician College (now Felician University) Immaculate Conception Convent, Lodi, Assistant Archivist.
Sister Maria Magdalena Studer, SC
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, for Sister Maria Magdalena Studer in Holy Family Chapel, Convent Station, N.J.
Sister Studer 89, a Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, died on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, at Saint Joseph’s Healthcare and Rehab Center, Cedar Grove, N.J.
Sister Studer was born in Neptune, N.J. the daughter of Carl J. and Maria (Polhemus) Studer. She entered the Sisters of Charity on Oct. 1, 1951 and was a member for 71 years.
She graduated from the College of Saint Elizabeth with a B.A. degree in Mathematics and from the University of Notre Dame with an M.S. degree in Mathematics. Sister Studer was an educator in New Jersey, New Mexico, and the US Virgin Islands. She served as a teacher and principal at the Academy of Saint Aloysius, elementary and high school, Jersey City; Saint Peter High School, New Brunswick; teacher and principal at Saints Peter & Paul High School, Saint Thomas, VI; Saint Catherine Indian School, Santa Fe, New Mexico; and assistant administrator at Maris Stella, Harvey Cedars, N.J. She was a Parish Minister at Saint Berard Parish, Navajo, New Mexico. She moved to Saint Joseph’s Healthcare and Rehab Center in Cedar Grove, N.J. in 2018, where she resided until her death.
Sister Studer had a missionary heart and followed faithfully in the footsteps of Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Her numerous years spent as an educator and administrator in multicultural schools, led her to share her many talents ministering to Native American people. She spent several years living and ministering on the Navajo Reservation in Navajo, New Mexico. Her legacy and energetic initiatives continue in St. Berard Parish through a strong and vibrant group of Navajo women who are members of the Seton Associates of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth.
Sister Studer was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Richard Studer and Carl Studer, and three Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth aunts, Sisters Alice Mary, Francis Magdalen, and Ruth Therese. She is survived by her Sister of Charity family, her brother Peter Studer (Inge), sisters-in-law Patricia (Luebkert) Studer, and sister-in-law Michele (Miroff) Studer. She has many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Sister Lucille Durso, CSJP
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, for Sister Lucille Durso at St. Catharine’s Church in Glen Rock, N.J.
Sister Durso, of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, 87, died peacefully at Holy Name Medical Center on Dec. 17, 2022.
She was born on Dec. 10, 1935 in Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., to the late John L. Durso and Jean C. Adair Durso. Sister Durso entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace at St. Michael Novitiate, Englewood Cliffs, N.J., on June 29, 1955, and pronounced Final Vows there on Aug. 22, 1960.
Sister Durso had a B.A. in English and a M.A. in Religious Education. As a teacher, counselor and a co-partner in opening the Academy of Professional Hypnosis, Sister served in various parishes: St. Anne, Fair Lawn, N.J.; Holy Rosary, Edgewater, N.J.; Mother Evangelista, Rockleigh, N.J.; St. Margaret’s, Little Ferry, N.J.; St. Anthony’s, Northvale, N.J.; Immaculate Heart Academy, Township of Washington, N.J.; St. Joseph’s, Demarest, N.J.; Marymount High School, Los Angeles, Cali.; and Alemany High School, Mission Hills, Cali.
Sister Durso served as Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Peace Care St. Ann’s, Jersey City, N.J. for 25 years. She was a member of St. Catharine’s Parish in Glen Rock, N.J.
She is survived by her sister, Joan Viccaro, niece, Lucille Sarno, and nephew, Michael Viccaro.
Sister Francis Scanlon, CSJP
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, Jan. 4, for Sister Francis Scanlon at St. Michael Villa in Englewood Cliffs, N.J.
Sister Scanlon, of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace , 86, died peacefully at Holy Name Medical Center on Dec. 22, 2022.
She was born on May 11, 1936 in Keadue Boyle, County Roscommon, Ireland, to the late Francis Joseph Scanlon and Rose Cooney Scanlon.
Sister Francis entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace in Cabra, County Down, Ireland, on Sept. 8, 1950. She pronounced final vows on Aug. 22, 1958.
She taught catechism in Washington and South River, N.J., and served as a housemother in Rockleigh, Northern Ireland, and Newark, N.J. Sister then ministered in Stella Maris Retreat Center, Elberon, N.J. for 35 years before retiring to St. Michael Villa in Englewood Cliffs in 2014.
Sister is survived by her sister, Rosaleen Mulvanerty, and brothers, Kevin, Aidan, and Michael as well as many nieces and nephews.
