Aston, PA—Sister Annette Marie Lucchese, OSF, 78, died at home in Ringwood, New Jersey, on June 13. Sister Annette was born in Brooklyn, New York, where she was a member of Holy Family Parish. In 1960 she entered the Franciscan Sisters of Ringwood, a congregation which later merged with the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, and professed her first vows in 1962.  Sister Annette earned both a B.S. and a M.A. in Education from Seton Hall University as well as a P.D. (Professional Diploma) in Administration from Fordham University.  She ministered primarily in education.

Sister Annette ministered for 35 years in the Diocese of Paterson. She taught at Queen of Peace School in Hewitt and served as principal and later as assistant principal of St. Catherine of Bologna School in Ringwood. She served as general coordinator of the Sisters of St. Francis of Ringwood as well as coordinator of the Mt. St. Francis Retreat Center in Ringwood.

Sister Annette’s 13 years in the Diocese of Brooklyn included teaching at St. Benedict School in Brooklyn and as both teacher and principal at Holy Family School in Brooklyn.

During her six years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Sister Annette served as a member of the leadership team for the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia.

A viewing will be held on June 16 from 4-7 P.M. at the D’Agostino Funeral Home, 881 Ringwood Avenue in Haskell, New Jersey. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 17 at 12 noon at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 868 Ringwood Avenue, Haskell, New Jersey. Burial will follow in God’s Acre Cemetery in Ringwood. Sister Annette is survived by her sister, Vita Maggio, her many nieces and nephews, and by her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.

Read Sister Annette’s memorial write-up.