Obituary of Sr. Anita Richard Heilenday

Sister Anita Richard Heilenday, (96), a Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, died April 2, 2024, at Complete Care at Saint Vincent's, Cedar Grove, NJ.

Sister Anita Richard was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, the daughter of Richard and Lillian (Nesbitt) Heilenday. She entered the Sisters of Charity on October 1, 1951, and was a member for 72 years.

Prior to her entrance into the Sisters of Charity, Sister Anita Richard received a B. S. degree in Home Economics from the College of Saint Elizabeth (University), Convent Station, New Jersey. She received an M.S. degree in Home Economics from Simmons College in Boston, MA, after her entrance into the Congregation.

Sister Anita Richard devoted her many years of ministry to the College of Saint Elizabeth. In 1953 Sister Anita Richard returned to her Alma Mater and served there for more than 50 years. During that time Sister Anita served as Chair of the Home Economics Department and Associate Professor. Sister Anita remained the Chair until her retirement in 2004. She was attuned to the changing needs of the students and provided leadership to ensure the program would meet those needs. She was instrumental in the transition of the department from Home Economics to the Foods and Nutrition Department and under her leadership, the Department established the Dietetic Internship which was the first post-baccalaureate program offered by the College, and a Graduate Program in Nutrition.

Sister Anita Richard was also the founder and director of the Center for Independent Living: Aging/Handicapped (CILAH) and raised enough funds to cover operating costs for the next 26 years until it closed in 2002.

Sister Anita had a deep faith in God. She loved the College of Saint Elizabeth, the Sisters of Charity, and her family. At the time of her retirement from the College of Saint Elizabeth, Sister Anita Richard said, "I am so grateful for all I have received over the years. Place your work in the hands of the Lord and let each day come with His blessings. God is good!"

In 2018 Sister Anita moved to St. Joseph's Health and Rehabilitation Center, Cedar Grove where she resided until her death.

Sister Anita Richard was predeceased by her parents, her sister Myra Amato, her brother Richard, her niece Carolyn Hunter, her nephew Rev. Benet Amato, OSB and her grandnephew Colin Schabel.

She is survived by the Sisters of Charity; two nieces, a nephew, grandnieces, grandnephews and great-grand nieces and great-grand nephews.

The wake for Sister Anita Richard Heilenday will be held on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, from 9:30 am – 11:00 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Burial in Holy Family Cemetery, Convent Station will follow the Mass. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Stephen J. Priola Funeral Service, Lake Hiawatha, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sister Anita Richard's memory to the Sisters of Charity Development Fund, P. O. Box 476, Convent Station, NJ, would be appreciated.