A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated May 22 in St. Lucy Chapel at Villa Walsh, Morristown, for Filippini Sister Lillian Ernest who died May 15 in St. Joseph Hall. She was 92.
Born in Jersey City, Sister Lillian entered the Religious Teachers Filippini in 1955. She received the habit in 1956 and made her religious profession in 1959. She earned bachelor of science and master of arts degrees in special education from Seton Hall University, South Orange.
In her 68 years of religious life, Sister Lillian served in a variety of ministries including as a classroom teacher and then in special education. She ministered as a teacher and administrator for 32 years in the Archdiocese of Newark. In the Trenton Diocese she was a parish religious education coordinator in St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Red Bank (now The Oratory Church of St. Anthony of Padua) and also superior of the Religious Teachers Filippini convent on the campus of Villa Victoria Academy, West Trenton. She also served in pastoral care to the infirm sisters at Villa Walsh; was named formator for women beginning religious life in the community and was elected to the role of provincial councillor.
Sister Lillian was predeceased by her parents and sister. She is survived by several cousins and friends.
Burial was in Ave Maria Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Religious Teachers Filippini, c/o Sister Patricia Pompa, MPF, Villa Walsh 455 Western Ave., Morristown, N.J. 07960.