Obituary: Sister Mary Gervase

Sister Mary Gervase, 88 died on April 13, 2012 at McAuley Hall Health Care Center in Watchung. 

Sister Mary Gervase was born in Lakewood, N.J., one of 11 children of August and Eleanor SanAntonio. She received her early education in St Mary Academy, Lakewood, and Lakewood Public High School. Sister Mary Gervase earned a bachelor's degree in Science from Georgian Court College, Lakewood, and a master's degree in Elementary Education from Seton Hall University, South Orange. 

Entering the Sisters of Mercy in 1944 she spent most of her religious life serving the Lord through her work as a teacher who inspired and loved the children she taught. 

Her ministry was in the Metuchen and Trenton Diocese; teaching in St. Elizabeth School, Bernardsville; St. Ann School, Keansburg; St John School, Lambertville; St Joseph School, North Plainfield; St Mathias School, Somerset; Our Lady of Victories School, Sayreville; St Francis Cathedral School, Metuchen; St Mary Academy, Lakewood and St Dominic School, Brick. For a short time she also had the opportunity to extend her mission of Mercy as a volunteer in St Brendan School, Ormond Beach, Fla. 

She is survived by her brother Gerard SanAntonio, his wife Arline of New Jersey, her sisters, Sister Margaret Mary SanAntonio, RSM of New Jwersey, Sister M. Flora SanAntonio, OP, of New York, and Rosemarie Nelson, her husband Rodger of Connecticut, and many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. Her many years of teaching and caring for those in need have surrounded her with loving and caring friends and Sisters of Mercy. 

Visitation will take place at McAuley Hall Health Care Center 1633 Highway 22 Watchung, on Wednesday April 18, 2012, Wake from 9:00 to 11:00 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Burial will be in Holy Redeemer Cemetery, South Plainfield,NJ. 

Memorial Contributions may be made to Sisters of Mercy Mid-Atlantic Community 1645 Highway 22, Watchung, NJ 07069