Obituary of SISTER MARY ROSE COLAVITO

Sister Rose Mary Colavito, 95, formerly Sister Maria Crucis, a Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, died May 5, 2020 at The Villa at Florham Park, Florham Park, NJ. Sister Rose Mary was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, the daughter of Domenic and Angela (Campanella) Colavito. She entered the Sisters of Charity on September 7, 1946 and was a member for 73 years. Sister Rose Mary graduated from the College of Saint Elizabeth, Convent Station, New Jersey with a B.A. degree in Social Studies, and from the Catholic University of America with a M.A. in Special Education. She studied at Kean University, Union, NJ to obtain certification as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant. Sister Rose Mary was an educator in the New Jersey and Florida. She served as teacher in St. Nicholas School, Passaic; Holy Cross School, Harrison; St. Paul of the Cross School, Jersey City; St. Francis School, Riviera Beach, FL, and St. Mary School, Elizabeth. She was a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant in the Mount Carmel Guild, Jersey City, and at Rahway High School, Rahway. Sister Rose Mary presented seminars and workshops for teachers of special needs students. She also volunteered in the Prison Ministry at Delaney Hall, Hope Unit in Newark, NJ. She retired to the Villa in 2010. Sister Rose Mary continued her generous service during her time at the Villa. She provided handmade mementos for residents and staff for feast days and for national holidays. Sister Rose Mary's prayerful presence with many Villa residents during their final hours was a blessing for residents and families. She delivered mail each day to Villa residents throughout the building until her final illness. Sister Rose Mary was predeceased by her sister, Margaret (3/5/2020), and her brothers Ralph, Frank and Jerry. She is survived by the Sisters of Charity, her sister-in-law Betty, three nephews and two grandnephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Sisters of Charity Development Fund, P.O. Box 476, Convent Station, NJ 07961-0476 would be greatly appreciated.