Sister Felice Donelin, a Sister of Christian Charity, died on March 24 at Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, N.J. She was 92.
Born Geraldine Joan Donelin on December 16, 1930, in the Bronx, N.Y., to John and Geraldine (Boundy) Donelin, she attended Cathedral Annex located at Immaculate Conception School in the Bronx, where she was taught by the Sisters of Christian Charity. Attracted by their way of life, she went to the Motherhouse in Mendham, N.J., on September 1, 1946, and continued her high school education at Immaculata High School and received the Holy Habit of a Sister of Christian Charity on August 21, 1947.
Sister Felice professed her First Vows on August 21, 1949, and her Final Vows on August 20, 1955. She earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Cardinal Stritch College in Milwaukee, Wis., and took additional courses at St. John’s University, Columbia University, Bucknell University, Marywood College, Penn State University, and Fordham University.
She had a long and dedicated life in education as a teacher, principal, special education teacher, and guidance counselor. In many of her assignments, she also served as superior.
In education ministry, Sister Felice served in St. Boniface School and St. Ann School in Williamsport, Pa.; St. Boniface School in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; St. Mary School in Scranton, Pa.; and Bishop Hafey High School in Hazleton, Pa. In parish ministry, she was a pastoral associate at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Lewistown in 2006, and a part-time pastoral minister at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Hoboken, N.J. Sister Felice also helped at Divine Providence Hospital in Williamsport, and in Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill. She retired in May 2018, moving to the Motherhouse in Mendham.
The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated March 28 at the Motherhouse, followed by burial in the Motherhouse cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Sister Felice to the Sisters of Christian Charity, 350 Bernardsville Rd. Mendham, NJ 07945. Funeral arrangements by Bailey Funeral Home, www.baileyfuneral.com.
