Donna Rose Mule Bacsik, former Catholic educator

July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
Donna Rose Mule Bacsik, former Catholic educator
Donna Rose Mule Bacsik, former Catholic educator


Donna Rose Mule Bacsik, who served in the ministry of Catholic education, died Feb. 17. She was 61.

Funeral services were held Feb. 22 in Our Lady of Sorrows Church, a worship site of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton, where Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, pastor, was principal celebrant of a Mass of Christian Burial.

Mrs. Bacsik was the former director of elementary education in the diocesan Office of Catholic Schools. She also served two terms as principal of Our Lady of Sorrows School, Mercerville.

Mrs. Bacsik had been a lifelong resident of Trenton and Hamilton Township, until she moved to Florence Township in recent years. She was a graduate of St. Joachim School, Trenton, and Villa Victoria Academy, Ewing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English education from Douglas College at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, a master’s degree and principal certification from The College of New Jersey, Ewing, and a reading specialist certificate for grades K-3.

The majority of Mrs. Bacsik’s career in education was spent with the Hamilton Township School District where she was a teacher for 20 years then worked in administration as vice principal and principal for 10 years. After retiring from the public school system, a job search led her to become principal of Our Lady of Sorrows School where she served from 2004 to 2006.

Mrs. Bacsik joined the staff of the diocesan Office of Catholic Schools in 2006 and served as associate director of elementary schools. In that role, she served as a liaison between the Department of Catholic Schools and the elementary school principals.

In 2010, she returned to Our Lady of Sorrows School to serve as principal, and remained there until she retired in April, 2011 because of illness.

JoAnn Tier, diocesan superintendent of schools, offered words of high praise for Mrs. Bacsik and her commitment to education.

“She was the consummate professional who was well-spoken, kept abreast of current educational trends and issues,” said Tier. “She enjoyed the children and was loved by the teachers.”

Tier remembered Mrs. Bacsik as being a person who was “full of life.”

“She was a happy person who radiated that happiness to others. She exuded a vitality of spirit. There was always a sparkle in her eye and a smile to be shared with others,” Tier continued. “She was a beautiful lady who served as a model on how to live life with zest, enthusiasm and happiness.”

Mrs. Bacsik was predeceased by her parents, Paul and Frances Mule. She is survived by her three children, Danielle Povio, David Bacsik and Dianne Bacsik; one brother, a sister and brother-in-law, and other relatives including numerous nieces, nephews and friends, including Dave McWilliam who was her best friend, caretaker and companion.

Burial was in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, Hamilton.

Memorial donations may be made to the “Donna Bacsik Scholarship Fund,” c/o Dave McWilliam, 104 Abrams Drive, Florence, N.J. 08518.

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Donna Rose Mule Bacsik, who served in the ministry of Catholic education, died Feb. 17. She was 61.

Funeral services were held Feb. 22 in Our Lady of Sorrows Church, a worship site of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton, where Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, pastor, was principal celebrant of a Mass of Christian Burial.

Mrs. Bacsik was the former director of elementary education in the diocesan Office of Catholic Schools. She also served two terms as principal of Our Lady of Sorrows School, Mercerville.

Mrs. Bacsik had been a lifelong resident of Trenton and Hamilton Township, until she moved to Florence Township in recent years. She was a graduate of St. Joachim School, Trenton, and Villa Victoria Academy, Ewing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English education from Douglas College at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, a master’s degree and principal certification from The College of New Jersey, Ewing, and a reading specialist certificate for grades K-3.

The majority of Mrs. Bacsik’s career in education was spent with the Hamilton Township School District where she was a teacher for 20 years then worked in administration as vice principal and principal for 10 years. After retiring from the public school system, a job search led her to become principal of Our Lady of Sorrows School where she served from 2004 to 2006.

Mrs. Bacsik joined the staff of the diocesan Office of Catholic Schools in 2006 and served as associate director of elementary schools. In that role, she served as a liaison between the Department of Catholic Schools and the elementary school principals.

In 2010, she returned to Our Lady of Sorrows School to serve as principal, and remained there until she retired in April, 2011 because of illness.

JoAnn Tier, diocesan superintendent of schools, offered words of high praise for Mrs. Bacsik and her commitment to education.

“She was the consummate professional who was well-spoken, kept abreast of current educational trends and issues,” said Tier. “She enjoyed the children and was loved by the teachers.”

Tier remembered Mrs. Bacsik as being a person who was “full of life.”

“She was a happy person who radiated that happiness to others. She exuded a vitality of spirit. There was always a sparkle in her eye and a smile to be shared with others,” Tier continued. “She was a beautiful lady who served as a model on how to live life with zest, enthusiasm and happiness.”

Mrs. Bacsik was predeceased by her parents, Paul and Frances Mule. She is survived by her three children, Danielle Povio, David Bacsik and Dianne Bacsik; one brother, a sister and brother-in-law, and other relatives including numerous nieces, nephews and friends, including Dave McWilliam who was her best friend, caretaker and companion.

Burial was in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, Hamilton.

Memorial donations may be made to the “Donna Bacsik Scholarship Fund,” c/o Dave McWilliam, 104 Abrams Drive, Florence, N.J. 08518.

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