Dr. Boland passed away Feb. 1 at the age of 79 following a return of cancer. Prior to her retirement in 2020, she had served for 25 years as the associate superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Trenton. Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., was the principal celebrant of the funeral Mass that was concelebrated by Father Robert Grodnicki, pastor, and several priests representing their parish schools from around the Diocese.

Expressing his condolences, support and prayers to Dr. Boland’s family and friends, Bishop O’Connell said, “I knew Margaret since coming here as Bishop 12 years ago. She was a force, a very formidable, very strong, very sincere, very loving, and very compassionate woman. Her love was her faith, her family and our Catholic schools."

Bishop O’Connell pointed to the back of the altar where the phrase, “He loved them to the end,” taken from the Gospel of St. John, is inscribed in Latin. Applying that phrase to the life of Dr. Boland, he said,

“That’s certainly true of his love for Margaret.

“She was convinced of it. She knows she was on a spiritual journey and her journey is now with our Lord in heaven,” he said. “That could be said of her in reference to all of you.  She loved you to the end.”

Before arriving in the Diocese of Trenton, Dr. Boland’s work experience included teaching for 12 years in the New York City public school system at both the high school and junior high school levels and as a director of guidance.

She taught eighth grade math and science in St. Joseph School, Toms River. Dr. Boland also developed the algebra and pre-algebra program for eighth grade students in conjunction with Donovan Catholic High School, also Toms River. In 1993, Dr. Boland was named principal of St. Benedict School, Holmdel, and two years later she assumed the role of associate superintendent in the diocesan Office of Catholic Schools.
[[In-content Ad]]

During the homily, Father Grodnicki recalled his friend Margaret and the impact she had on those she encountered.

“Her faith was important to her, her family and her job as an educator in the Diocese of Trenton. She was the type of person that could never do enough for anyone.  Always thanking people – that’s who she was,” he said.

Father Grodnicki pointed out that while Jesus performed miracles, it was how he lived and loved that people remembered and continue to talk about.

“We talk about his kindness to people, how he never accused people of things, he was always there for people, he always forgave people, he never held a grudge, and neither did Margaret. That’s what Jesus taught us and that’s how she lived her life- dedicated to helping people,” Father Grodnicki said.

It was common knowledge among those who knew Dr. Boland how much she loved and treasured her family, especially her son, Joseph, daughter-in-law, Catherine, and grandchildren William, John and Edward.

After Communion, Joseph spoke lovingly of his mother, recalling her love of reading and education. Directing his remarks to his three sons, he said, “You were Gram’s world. Perfect in every way as I’m sure everyone who was in earshot knew. She loved you with all her heart and was immensely proud of you. She knows you will do great things and she’ll always be with you, pushing you to do your best.”

“Mom was a devout Catholic and her faith was incredibly important to her,” Joseph continued, then acknowledged the support she received over the past few weeks from Bishop O’Connell, Father Grodnicki, Father Scott Shaffer, pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, and many other priests, brothers and sisters as her illness progressed.

“She welcomed their prayers and support with open arms,” he said.

Calling her “the perfect mom” Joe, shared his final words to his mother, “go peacefully to heaven. Until I see you again, I love you.”