Funeral services were held Aug. 14 in St. Lucy Chapel at Villa Walsh, Morristown, for Filippini Sister Serafina D’Alessio, who died Aug. 12 in St. Joseph Hall, Villa Walsh.Celebrant and homilist of the Mass of Christian Burial was Father Edward Kelty. Interment was in Ave Maria Cemetery. 

Sister Serafina was born and raised in Jersey City. She entered the Religious Teachers Filippini in 1932; received her habit in 1935, and made her religious profession in 1938.  She was awarded a bachelor of science degree in history from the College of St. Elizabeth Convent Station; a master of arts degree in history from Columbia University, New York, and a doctorate in history from The Catholic University of America, Washington.

Sister Serafina taught Catholic middle school grades in New Jersey and New York City. With her background in history, she taught the subject in high schools in Connecticut and New Jersey including Villa Victoria Academy, Ewing, at various times during the 1940s and 1950s. She returned to full time teaching in Villa Victoria in 1978 and remained there until her retirement. Once retired from full time teaching, she tutored students at Villa Victoria until she became ill and entered St. Joseph Hall Infirmary in 2005.

Sister Serafina also taught in Walsh College from 1969-1971 and spent summers teaching the sisters who were pursuing an associate of arts degree in Villa Walsh. While teaching in Walsh College, Sister Serafina spearheaded the founding of the Colonial Coach, a free transportation service provided to Morristown residents. The Colonial Coach continues today to provide transportation to Morristown residents.

From 1964-1969 and from 1971-1978, Sister Serafina worked for the Apostolic Delegation to the Vatican in Washington, D.C. It was during this time that she also pursued her studies in CUA.

Sister Serafina was often called upon to give talks on behalf of the community for special occasions and served as a translator from English to Italian and from Italian to English.

Sister Serafina was predeceased by her parents, Guido and Eleonara (Marinaro) D’Alessio, two sisters and a brother. She is survived by her cousins and nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.   

Memorial donations may be sent to St. Joseph Hall, c/o Filippini Sister Ascenza Tizzano, provincial superior, Villa Walsh, 455 Western Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960.