Obituary of Sr. Felice Donelin

Sister Felice Donelin, nee Geraldine Joan Donelin, Sister of Christian Charity, entered into Eternal Life the morning of March 24, 2023 at Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, NJ.  Sister was 92 years old.

Geraldine was born in the Bronx, NY, on December 16, 1930, to John and Geraldine (Boundy) Donelin and baptized at Our Lady of the Assumption Church.  At seven years of age, she began Sunday School with the Dominican Sisters, while attending public schools in New York.  She received her First Holy Communion and was confirmed by the time she completedgrade school.  Geraldine then had the privilege of attending 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 came to the Motherhouse in Mendham 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.   Sister 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.  Sister Felice served in St. Boniface School, Williamsport, PA, St. Nicholas, Jersey City, NJ, Immaculate Conception School, Bronx, NY, St. Margaret Mary School, Winter Park, FL, St. Michael School, Elizabeth, NJ, St. Mary School, Hackettstown, NJ, St. JosephSchool, Jim Thorpe, PA, St. Ann School, Williamsport, PA, St. Peter School, Kingston, NY, St. Boniface School in Wilkes-Barre, PA, St. Mary School, Scranton, PA, Bishop Hafey School in Hazleton, PA and St. Francis School in Metuchen, NJ. Her dedication to the children was outstanding! 

​Sister Felice earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Cardinal Stritch College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Sister took additional courses at St. John’s University, Columbia University, Bucknell University, Marywood College, Penn State University, and Fordham University.

​In 2006, Sr. Felice served as Pastoral Associate at Sacred Heart Church in Lewistown, PA, and in 2009 was a part-time Pastoral Minister in Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Hoboken, NJ.  In addition, Sister helped in Divine Providence Hospital in Williamsport, and in Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill, PA.  Sister Felice retired in May 2018, moving to the Motherhouse in Mendham.

​Visitation will be on Monday. March 27, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. followed by Vespers at 4:30 p.m.  The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Motherhouse on Tuesday, March 28 at 11:00 a.m. followed by interment 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.