Trinitas: 1968 

Sad News:

​

We recognize the full lives our fellow classmates (and teachers!) have lived, and the love they have enjoyed.

 

"Sister Sheila."  It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Sheila J. Lombardi (née O’Mahoney) - wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and inspiration on June 13, 2026. As we mourn her loss, we also look back in profound gratitude for a life well lived. Sheila was born on May 21, 1935 in Plainfield, NJ, the second daughter of Denis and Kathryn O’Mahoney. When she was a young girl, her family moved to Atlantic Beach, Florida, where she spent the majority of her childhood. In Atlantic Beach, she developed a profound love of the ocean; it was not uncommon for her to awaken early to go swimming before school. She attended Bartram High School in Jacksonville, Florida and upon graduation in 1953, enrolled at St. Elizabeth’s College in Convent Station, NJ, where she graduated with her Bachelors Degree in 1957. While at St. Elizabeth’s, Sheila chose to continue on a path of religious service. She entered the convent there as a Sister of Charity that same year.

During her time as a Sister of Charity, Sheila taught English at Immaculate Conception High School and Holy Trinity High School, both in Westfield, NJ. As a teacher, she had the joy of expressing her love for both the written and spoken word. Said one of her former students, "Because of you, I have a great appreciation of literature. What I learned from you is that the real message is often beneath the surface . . . to pay attention not only to what is said, but what is meant.” Sheila’s passion for the written word and the art of teaching it led her to pursue a Masters Degree in English Literature at Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana; she graduated in 1967.

After over a decade as a Sister of Charity, Sheila realized that she was being called in a different direction in her life, and she opted to leave the convent. During this time, Sheila met and married her great love, N. John Lombardi, in Detroit, MI in 1971. Sheila and John returned home to NJ and settled in Leonia, where they raised their three children, Elizabeth, Denise, and Aaron, whom she taught by example to be caring, thoughtful, compassionate people. Sheila was very active in her children’s lives: she was often their class mother, went on countless class trips, taught CCD, always attended their theater productions and sporting events, and often hosted her children’s friends at their home. To describe her as a devoted mother is a spectacular understatement.

As her children grew, Sheila started her own business as a communications consultant, which allowed her to continue her work in the classroom. She traveled throughout the country presenting educational workshops that focused on effective writing, editing, and communication skills. Sheila J. Lombardi Associates was often employed by the US Military to instruct their personnel. Although her work trips often kept her away from home for up to a week at a time, she never left without making sure her children had a detailed schedule of their week apart. Before any departure, she ran a very brief lecture for a very small class of three, meticulously explaining the logistics of their week.

In their retirement, Sheila and John moved to Long Branch, NJ, where they could be near their beloved ocean. As in her childhood, visiting the ocean when the sun was new in the sky was one of Sheila’s greatest pleasures.

In addition to being a consummate story-teller, Sheila had a passion for reading, writing poetry, classical music, and sharing her beautiful singing voice in her church choir. She devoted herself to learning throughout the entirety of her life, and frequently attended seminars and lectures on topics ranging from faith to poetry. Sheila was a deep thinker and a feeling soul and was drawn to activities that allowed her to use these gifts. She did not shy away from the complicated questions in life; rather, she dug deeper and leaned into her faith, her curiosity, and her love of good conversation to light the way. Most recently, Sheila was a member of a women’s liturgical group and was very active in their collaborative community of faith.

Above all else, she loved being with her family, and as it grew over the years, her three grandchildren became the lights of her life and filled her with limitless joy.

She is predeceased by her husband, John, and sister, Kathryn. She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth and her husband Bruce, daughter Denise, son Aaron and his wife Kirraley; grandchildren Elise Sheila-Jane, Jackson and Marcus.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Sheila’s life on Monday, June 22 at 10:00 AM at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Westfield, NJ (506 Westfield Ave, Westfield NJ).

In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations to be made in her name to WQXR classical radio or Literacy Inc whose mission is to equip children with the foundational literacy skills essential for academic achievement.

********

January 2023: Melanie Hess, Brielle, NJ

********

 

2022: Suzanne Gerber Lapp of Homestead, Florida passed away at the age of 73. She is survived by her beloved husband Arthur, and her cherished son. She will also be dearly miss by her family and friends at St. John's Episcopal School. She will be dearly missed.

******

 

2021: Nathalie Sullivan Monahan taught generations of Cranford first-graders and 'filled the school days with laughter and fun' Nathalie Sullivan Monahan celebrated her life from September 30, 1950, to July 28, 2021. She was born in Jersey City to Nathalie Griffin Sullivan and Leo Sullivan and grew up in Cranford. She graduated from Newark State College (now Kean University) with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and continued her education at Seton Hall University where she earned a master's degree as a reading specialist. Nathalie loved words and was a voracious reader from the moment she learned how. She shared this passion with the hundreds of students she taught to read during her more than three decades as a first-grade teacher in Cranford. She filled the school days with laughter and fun, making her students eager to come to class. She could tailor her lessons to the individual student, nurturing a love of learning. Her example inspired many of her students to become teachers themselves. Once retired, Nathalie relocated to Palm Coast, Florida, where she enjoyed traveling and going on cruises. She was predeceased by her husband Terrance Monahan and her parents. She is survived by her sister, Frances Sullivan Marcantonio; her brother-in-law Henry Marcantonio; niece and nephews Aileen, Andrew, and Alexander Marcantonio; her long-time friend Natalie Milunic, as well as a multitude of loving cousins and friends. 

********************************​

2021: Jim Guididas opened his heart to everyone he met.  He always was there: for the family member who was struggling, for the employee who was seeking mentorship, or for the friend who needed advice. Jim was passionate about helping others. James “Jim” Guididas passed away on February 20 at his home in Leland, North Carolina, with his wife, Diane, and his daughter, Lauren. He was 71 years old. Jim was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey to his parents Ed and Helen Guididas. He was raised in Westfield, New Jersey where he attended Holy Trinity school.

As a teenager, Jim earned the rank of Eagle Scout. It was in the Boy Scouts where Jim learned how to plan and be prepared, qualities he kept throughout his life. Jim attended St. Bonaventure University in New York, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance. He later earned his MBA at Pace University. For years, Jim suffered from addiction, and ultimately used his recovery experience to help others who were struggling with their own addictions.

In 1993, Jim met Diane, and they married a year later. They were blessed with their one and only child, Lauren. Jim loved being her father. Lauren was always his “Daddy’s little girl”, and she was the “apple of his eye”. Jim was an avid, life-long New York Yankees fan. When he took Lauren to her first Yankees game, he had the opportunity to meet Yogi Berra, which was one of the highlights of his life. Jim had a long career as a manager at companies like AT&T, Prudential and most recently, Concur. He was a beloved mentor and forged many close relationships with his colleagues.

Jim and Diane raised Lauren in Robbinsville, New Jersey, where Jim served on the town council planning board. He also loved to volunteer, and went on several church youth group mission trips with Lauren to Appalachia. There, they rebuilt homes for the needy. Jim became great friends with the people he served, as well as his fellow volunteers. He treated the teenagers who went on these trips as if they were his own nieces and nephews. In 2016, Jim retired, and he and Diane moved to Leland, North Carolina where they built their dream home. For the final years of his life, Jim made many new friends and spent hours with them playing cards and golfing. Jim loved Oldies music, especially Frankie Valli and Stevie Nicks. He also loved spending time near the water — whether on a boat or on the beach. Jim will be remembered for his selflessness, his empathy, his laugh, and for being a bit of a prankster. He is survived by his wife, Diane, his daughter, Lauren, his mom, Helen, and his siblings Ed, Bill, Nancy, and Jean. He also leaves behind a giant, loving extended family, including 13 in-laws, 34 nieces and nephews. He joins his dad, Ed, his brother, Bob, and his nephew, Russell, in heaven.

 ******************

Jerome Berzanskis, 68, of Rahway, NJ passed away on Thursday, January 3, 2019. 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the Memorial Gathering on Monday, January 7th at the Werson Funeral Home, 635 North Wood Avenue, Linden from 2PM to 3 PM.  Cremation will be private. Jerry was born in Elizabeth, NJ, lived in Rahway the past 6 years, prior Clark, NJ. He was employed as a computer analyst for 30 years retiring in 2007.     Jerry enjoyed golfing, surfing, and spending time with his family.Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Catherine Berzanskis, and his Aunt Joan Hanlon.  Surviving are his 2 loving daughters, Karen Gleason and her husband Joseph, and Lisa Berzanskis and her significant other Joe Bellone, his former wife of 39 years, Kathleen Berzanskis, his brother Dr. Paul Berzanskis and his wife Beth, 2 cherished grandchildren, Brayden & Joella Gleason, and 2 nephews, Nicholas & Michael Berzanskis. 

​

A memory of Jerry: "....funny what you remember. Somehow I ended up with his coat in senior year. Denim with a red check flannel lining. Don't recall how but assume he left it in my VW bus. Anyway, when I tried to return it to him he told me to keep it. His folks had bought him a new coat and he didn't want them to know he had recovered the old one.  So of course I kept it and wore it for many years. Always reminded me of him."

******

​

2018:  Karen Zych Fahrion: Westfield area resident.  Department store supervisor Karen Fahrion, 68, passed away April 18, 2018, at Hartwyck at Oak Tree Nursing Home in Edison, N.J., from respiratory failure due to kidney failure. Karen resided in the Westfield area most of her life. She graduated from Holy Trinity High School in 1968 and Elizabeth Seton Junior College for Women in 1970. Karen worked as a department supervisor for local department stores including Sears and Lord & Taylor. Karen is survived by her sons, Shaun, of Wilmington, N.C., and Ryan of Denver, Colo. She is also survived by her sister, Valerie Clayton, nephew, Thomas, and niece, Mary.

********** 

​

James A. Farrell, age 66, of Roanoke, Va. passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2017 in Roanoke, from complications of a stroke in December, 2016. Jimmy was born in Plainfield, NJ and graduated from St. Joseph's Grammar School in North Plainfield, Holy Trinity H.S. in Westfield, and Seton Hall University. His careers included teaching, Uniformed Division Officer with the U.S. Secret Service, Youth counselor and industrial security. As a young man in New Jersey, he enjoyed basketball at the Plainfield YMCA and touch football at East End School in North Plainfield. He once managed the YMCA softball team. Jimmy was an avid reader and his knowledge of world and U.S. history was extensive. He also enjoyed the mountains and woods wherever he resided and watching N.Y. Yankees' baseball. Jimmy was predeceased by his parents, Arthur M. and Gerarda A. Farrell (nee Burke), his sister Jody P. Farrell, and brother Arthur M. Farrell.  He is survived by his sister Mary T. Gray and husband Michael of Annapolis, Md. and brother Tommy Farrell and wife Patty of Hainesport, NJ. He is also survived by numerous, loving nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews in whom he took great delight. His ashes will be mingled with those of his beloved dog, Dusty, and scattered on the Appalachian Trail. Jimmy knew he was loved and we miss him.

*********

Virginia Vigilanti Burdett. Passed away December 11, 2017 in Melbourne, Florida.  Profession: Therapist.

​*********

Obituary for SISTER FRANCIS DEVLIN—September 16, 2016

Sister Francis Devlin, 90 formerly Sister Francis Joannes, a Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, died Friday, September 16, 2016 at Saint Anne Villa, Convent Station, NJ. Sister Francis was born in West Chester, PA, the daughter of Francis and Julia (Downing) Devlin. She entered the Sisters of Charity on September 8, 1943 and was a member for 73 years.

She graduated from the College of Saint Elizabeth, Convent Station, NJ, with a B.A. degree in Elementary Education and from the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN with a M.A. degree in English. Sister Francis was an educator in New Jersey at the following schools: Holy Name School and East Orange Catholic High School, East Orange; Holy Trinity H.S., Westfield, and also served as Principal. She was a teacher at Marylawn of the Oranges, South Orange, and DePaul Catholic High School, Wayne. She then served in Public Relations at Good Samaritan Hospital, Suffern, NY; Paramus Catholic H.S., Paramus, and at St. Mary’s Hospital, West Palm Beach, FL. Sister Francis was a librarian at Immaculate Conception H.S., Montclair. She retired to Saint. Anne Villa, Convent Station in 2002 where she resided until her death.
Sister Francis is survived by the Sisters of Charity; her sister Eileen Morell, many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and several great-grand nieces and nephews.

*******

2016 Patricia Peck Bernet, 65, of Princeton Junction died Monday August 1st 2016 at the Elms of Cranbury. Born in Newark, NJ, she has been a resident of Princeton Junction since 1985. Patricia retired in 2015 as Vice President of Human Resources with Foot Locker Corporation. She was a communicant, the first female trustee, lector, Eucharistic Minister, and CCD instructor at Saint David the King Church. Patricia was also a member of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training, having completed ten full marathons and numerous half marathons.

 

In addition, Patricia was a tireless caretaker of people and pets, and a veritable force for good. She used her boundless energy and limited time (being a Manhattan commuter), in service to humankind and to her church. Patricia exemplified the spirit of her Christian faith.

 

Daughter of the late Joseph Donald and June (Marion) Peck, she is survived by her husband of 36 years George J. Bernet, III, a son George J. Bernet IV, three daughters Jennifer Miceli, Kara Terry, Kristen Bernet, a brother Joseph Donald Peck Jr, a sister Maureen Metzner, 5 grandchildren Nicola, Francesca, Jake, Bridget, Paige, three nieces and a nephew Nicole, Rebecca, Margo, and Mark.

*************

​

John Pasternak, April 24, 2014: John's name listed in this honor roll.  Class of 1972, Norwich Record, Norwich University, Vermont:  1972 MAJ John P. Pasternak, USA (Ret.), 63, of Yardley, Pa., April 24, 2014

************

 

Mary (Kaszuba) Toth, of Milltown, NJ, passed away on Thursday March 8, 2012 at her home. She was 61 years old. Born in Brooklyn, NY, she grew up in Plainfield NJ. A graduate of Chestnut Hill College, she worked for Johnson & Johnson where she met her husband Tom. She and Tom were wed and moved to Milltown in 1976. She later worked at Hill Top Research and most recently for Kaztronix. Her hobbies included sewing, gardening, and baking. She was an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Milltown. Predeceased by her parents, Stefan and Genevieve Kaszuba, a brother John and sister Barbara, and her husband Tom of 34 years; she is survived by three sons, Michael and his wife Kim of Delanco, NJ, Nicholas and his wife Alyssa of Hulmeville, PA, and Frank and his fiance Eleanor of Jackson, NJ. Also survived by two sisters, Christine and her husband Joseph Gola of Garwood, NJ, and Alice Kaszuba of Plainfield, NJ. Her mini dachsund Bella provided her with love and companionship.

***********

​

Doll, Jeanne M. (nee Donnelly) August 27, 2009; Baptized into the Hope of Christ's Resurrection. Beloved wife of Michael S. Doll; beloved mother of Christopher, Kevin, Katherine, and Kurt Doll; loving sister of Suzanne (Peter) Galligan of Dallas, TX, Frances (Dennis) Kamstra of New Orleans, LA, and William (Pam) Donnelly; dearest sister in law to Peggy (the late Ted) Banker, Thomas (Jeanne) Doll, Judy (Bernie) Duda, Mark ( Pam) Doll, and Mary ( Jim) Linhares; our dear aunt, great aunt, niece, cousin, and friend. Mrs. Doll was a Partner at Rubin Brown LLC, a Board of Directors member of Angels' Arms, an active member of Women Presidents Organization (WPO), and an avid golfer in the Executive Womens Golf Association.

*******

​

Audrey (Briskey) C. Shive, age 58, of Whiting NJ passed away Friday January 16, 2009 at Community Medical Center, Toms River. Born in Elizabeth, she was raised in Scotch Plains and lived in Chatham before moving to Whiting in 2001. She was a sales person for B. Altman & Company in Short Hills and Adams Haberdasher Clothing in New Providence. She was an avid horse rider and was a supporter of Greyhound Angels Adoption Group. She was predeceased by, her husband Edward in 2005. Surviving are two sons Charles and his wife Joanna of Boyds, MD, Matthew of Whiting, her parents Thomas and Audrey Briskey of Pt. Pleasant Borough, a brother Thomas Briskey of Basking Ridge and two sisters Rose Marie Munch of Mountainside and Eileen Spack of Arlington, VA. 

******* 

​

Unable to find further information:

​Patricia Eagen

Barbara Foerst

Linda Frain