Sister Mary Terena Gentili, native Trentonian, dies at 91
October 17, 2025 at 4:22 p.m.
Sister Mary Terena GentiliA Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Oct. 17 in McAuley Hall Healthcare Center, Watchung, for Mercy Sister Mary Terena Gentili, who died Oct. 12. She was 91.
Born in Trenton, to Dante and Clara Gentili, Sister Mary Terena’s early education began in St. Joachim Elementary School in Trenton and continued in Cathedral High School. She pursued a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education at Georgian Court College (now University), Lakewood, graduating in 1970. She entered the Sisters of Mercy in Watchung in 1955.
Sister Terena began her ministry, teaching the primary grades, in Atlantic City. Over the next 30 years, she taught at parish elementary schools staffed by the Sisters of Mercy including St. Mary, Bordentown, in the Diocese of Trenton, as well as in Perth Amboy, Bound Brook and Phillipsburg. In 1990, she went to St. Paul School in Princeton, where she taught second grade, reading enrichment in all primary grades and served on the professional staff as a spiritual and education consultant.
Sister Terena spent her final years at McAuley Hall Health Care Center. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother and sister. She is survived by her nieces and nephew.
Burial will be in Holy Redeemer Cemetery, South Plainfield. Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 1645 U.S. Highway 22, Watchung, N.J. 07069.
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Sister Mary Terena GentiliA Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Oct. 17 in McAuley Hall Healthcare Center, Watchung, for Mercy Sister Mary Terena Gentili, who died Oct. 12. She was 91.
Born in Trenton, to Dante and Clara Gentili, Sister Mary Terena’s early education began in St. Joachim Elementary School in Trenton and continued in Cathedral High School. She pursued a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education at Georgian Court College (now University), Lakewood, graduating in 1970. She entered the Sisters of Mercy in Watchung in 1955.
Sister Terena began her ministry, teaching the primary grades, in Atlantic City. Over the next 30 years, she taught at parish elementary schools staffed by the Sisters of Mercy including St. Mary, Bordentown, in the Diocese of Trenton, as well as in Perth Amboy, Bound Brook and Phillipsburg. In 1990, she went to St. Paul School in Princeton, where she taught second grade, reading enrichment in all primary grades and served on the professional staff as a spiritual and education consultant.
Sister Terena spent her final years at McAuley Hall Health Care Center. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother and sister. She is survived by her nieces and nephew.
Burial will be in Holy Redeemer Cemetery, South Plainfield. Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 1645 U.S. Highway 22, Watchung, N.J. 07069.