Sister Mary Grace DeJoseph, a member of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy, went to her eternal rest on December 13. She died at Misericordia Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in York, in the city in which she ministered for the past 20 years.
Sister Mary Grace was born in Hazleton, Pa., and was the daughter of Ralph and Mildred (Gentilesco) DeJoseph. She entered the Congregation of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy, in Newfield, N.J., in October of 1954 and professed her vows on August 15, 1957.
Sister Mary Grace earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education as well as a master’s in education with certifications in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
She taught for a number of years, and served as principal in schools administered by her religious order in the dioceses of Camden, N.J., Harrisburg, Scranton, Springfield and Buffalo. She was also the Administrator of Holy Child Nursery in York for three years.
From 1975 she served in roles as Provincial Secretary, Provincial Councilor, Provincial Vicar and from 1984 to 1990 as Provincial Superior of the Daughters of Mercy. She will forever be remembered for her sense of humor, her dedication to her community and ministerial works, her love for all people, her spirit of adventure, her journalistic skill and for her untiring zeal to spread the Gospel message.
She is predeceased by her parents and her brother Robert. She leaves behind a brother, Ralph DeJoseph and his wife Pat, a sister-in-law, Barbara DeJoseph in Hazleton, Pa., numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and her Religious Sisters of the Newfield Province.
All are invited to attend a viewing at St. Joseph Church in York at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 19, followed by the Mass of Resurrection celebrated by Father Steve Fernandes, OFM, Cap. A viewing will be held for family and friends at Villa Rossello, Newfield, N.J., on Tuesday, December 20 at 2 p.m. followed by her burial at 3:00 at Pieta Cemetery. For those who wish, contributions in memory of Sister Mary Grace may be made to the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy, Villa Rossello, 1009 Main Road, Newfield, N.J. 08344.
