Obituary of Sr. Mary Ellen Verdon, SC

Sister Mary Ellen Verdon, formerly Sister Michael Julia, a Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, died August 1, 2026, just shy of her 90 th birthday. She resided at McAuley Hall Health Care Center in Watchung, New Jersey.

Sister Mary Ellen was born in Jersey City, New Jersey to Michael and Julia (Lynch) Verdon. She had two brothers, Thomas and John. Sister Mary Ellen entered the Sisters of Charity on September 6, 1954 and was a faithful member for 71 years. She lived her vocation fully by inviting others into her life, providing love and support, and sharing her devotion to God.

Sister Mary Ellen graduated from St. Raphael School of Nursing, New Haven, Connecticut with a RN degree in Nursing, from the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. with a BSN degree in Nursing and from Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey with a MSN degree in Nursing. Sister Mary Ellen served in health ministries located in New Jersey, Connecticut and Bolivia, South America. She was a nurse at the Hospital of St. Raphael, Connecticut and in Caranavi, Bolivia. She was Director of Nursing Services, St. Anne Villa, Convent Station, New Jersey and was a Registered Nurse/Clinical Specialist at Essex County Hospital Center, Cedar Grove, New Jersey for 19 years.

Of her many life experiences, one that stood out to her was her time in Caranavi, Bolivia where she lived with and served the very poor of the area for 11 years. She arrived with three other Sisters and they immediately began learning the language and caring for the people there. As noted by someone who knew Sister well and visited her in Bolivia, Sister Mary Ellen was well-loved by the Bolivian people, not just for the compassionate nursing care she provided but also for the genuine respect and love she had for the people.

Another experience that was pivotal for her was her year at the Carmelite Cloister in Tromsa, Norway. Sister Mary Ellen describes it this way, “This God of surprises spoke to me and asked me to follow Him in a new way.” Ever open to new experiences, she viewed this time as a blessing for her.

Sister Mary Ellen’s love of life, sense of humor and devotion to God, as well as her intelligence, were evident in every aspect of her life. She had the most amazing stories. Her family was very important to her, and she loved their visits and staying in touch with them. They, in return, provided love and support which she cherished.

Sister Mary Ellen is survived by the Sisters of Charity, her sister-in-law, Helen Verdon, nieces and nephews as well as many grand nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, her brothers Thomas and his wife, Patricia and John, and nephews Thomas Verdon Jr.and Paul Verdon.

The wake for Sister Mary Ellen Verdon will be held Thursday, August 6, 2026 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 AM with burial in Holy Family Cemetery following the Mass. The Mass will be livestreamed. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of S. J. Priola Funeral Services, Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Sisters of Charity Office of Legacy and Mission, and Advancement, P.O. Box 476, Convent Station, New Jersey 07961-0476, would be appreciated.