April 2, 1937 — January 17, 2025
Sister Lucille Marie, the former Lucille Mary Bruno, was born on April 2, 1937, in Trenton, New Jersey, to Stella Chmiel and Nicholas Bruno. She was the first of three children. She was baptized in Holy Cross Church, Trenton, New Jersey, on April 25, 1937. She received the sacrament of Holy Eucharist on May 20, 1945, and the Sacrament of Confirmation on May 3, 1949, also in Holy Cross Church.
On her last day of school as a third grader at Holy Cross School in 1945, Lucille was asked to accompany Sister Agnes Marie Kochanska to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to visit Sister Agnes’ dying father. This was an unforeseen prelude to her leaving home on July 29, 1952, as she entered the aspirancy at Immaculate Conception Convent, Lodi, New Jersey. Lucille spent four years at Immaculate Conception High School.
Given a sound religious education at home by her parents and in school with the Felician Sisters, a strong vocation was fostered. Many challenges awaited this young woman who unreservedly consecrated herself to Mary on December 8, 1952. After high school graduation, Lucille entered the Postulancy of the Felician Sisters on September 8, 1954, and received her white veil on August 26, 1955, when she received the name of Sister Mary Josetta. She requested to return to her baptismal name on May 1, 1991.
During her intense novitiate years, Sister Lucille became conscious of Christ’s presence, and this awareness grew stronger throughout her religious life. Often, she would pray: “Lord, You and I are in this together, and whatever the outcome, I am not alone.”
Sister Lucille professed her first vows on August 27, 1956, and remained in the novitiate for further studies. On August 27, 1962, she made a total commitment to the Lord by professing her final vows.
As the “najstarsza” or first in vocation in her group, she was very close to the sisters who entered the community with her and felt a certain responsibility for each of them. Their joys were her joys and so were their sorrows.
Sister Lucille studied at Felician College, Lodi, New Jersey; Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey and Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania. She taught in schools staffed by the Felician Sisters in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Washington, DC. Her expertise in teaching ranged from the first grade through the eighth grade. Where the ‘action’ was in these schools, you could find Bruno, as she was affectionately called, there in the middle of the activity, sharing her talents and energy.
As an educator, Sister Lucille Marie went above and beyond the call of duty. She was there for the poor achiever, helped students realize their potential, and encouraged outstanding students to utilize all their gifts.
Her religious expertise was also portrayed in many parish functions as she formulated prayer services and liturgies. Sister Lucille was successful in a variety of assignments, including being the convent minister, principal, full-time teacher, and secretary.
In her later years, Sister Lucille was called upon to minister in various ways: substitute teacher, school aide, and assistant to the provincial archivist. She also treasured the 2 ½ years during which she lovingly cared for her aging mother.
The last years of her religious life were spent as a resident of Our Lady of Lourdes Care Center, now known as Immaculate Conception Convent in Lodi. Her medical needs were lovingly taken care of by the staff of nurses and nurse aides. Also, in recent years, her Felician Associate contact, Beverly Brachocki, prayed with her and tried to help her with her personal needs. During the final days of Sister Lucille’s life, Beverly would call Sister Lucille’s sibling Maureen and have Maureen say a few words to Sister Lucille on the phone. This loving touch gave both sisters inner strength.
In the early hours of Friday, January 17, the feast of Our Lady of Hope, Sister Lucille Marie quietly went to meet her God. She was 87 years old and had been a Felician Sister for 69 years.
The funeral Mass was held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel in Lodi, New Jersey. The body was laid to rest in the convent cemetery.
