+ Sister Mary Amelia Cetera, OP

Sister Mary Amelia Cetera, OP, a Sister of Saint Dominic of Caldwell for 84 years, entered into eternal life on November 25, 2023, at the age of 101 at Saint Catherine of Siena Healthcare Center, Caldwell, NJ. On Thursday, November 30, 2023, a wake and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Aloysius Church, 219 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, NJ. The wake will be from 9:15 AM–10:00 AM with the Mass following at 10:00 AM. Burial services will be held at a later date. The Mass will be livestreamed at 10:00 AM here.

Born in North Bergen, New Jersey, Sister Mary Amelia, affectionately known as Sister Molly, entered the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell in January 1939 at just sixteen years old. At eighteen, she was teaching at Saint John the Baptist School in Jersey City, where she remained for eleven years. While taking her own classes, she also taught at Blessed Sacrament School in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Sister Mary Amelia earned her bachelor’s degree in English in 1954 from Caldwell College (now University) and her master’s degree in curriculum and teaching in 1957 from Seton Hall University. 

In 1958, Sister Mary Amelia became an instructor in the Reading Center at Caldwell College, launching what would become a legendary ministry of service to four decades of students. She served as the residence hall dean from 1964 to 1968 and was coordinating supervisor of Dominican schools from 1969 to 1972. During this period, she also became the moderator of the college’s Sodality group dedicated to Our Lady.

In 1969, Sister Mary Amelia became chair of the Education department, a role she maintained until 1978. During this time, she designed the college’s first bachelor’s degrees in education and early childhood education and supervised student interns and teachers.

Sister Mary Amelia left Caldwell College in 1978 to become the director of Mount Saint Dominic Grade School in Caldwell while beginning her doctoral studies in curriculum and teaching at Columbia University. In 1980, she became principal of Our Lady of Lourdes School in Mountainside, New Jersey.

Sister Mary Amelia returned to Caldwell College in 1985 and continued her important work molding outstanding teachers until 2012. During that time, she served as an academic advisor in the Continuing Education department, as an adjunct professor in the Education department, and as a placement services assistant. Even after shifting to part-time in 1998, she continued to supervise student teachers in local districts. 

In 2000, Sister Mary Amelia was named Professor Emerita of Education, and, in 2009, Caldwell University honored Sister Mary Amelia with the Veritas Award for Excellence in Educational Leadership for the “innovative and practical methods she gave to hundreds of education majors that enabled them to be effective teachers throughout their careers.” She continued to volunteer in the education program until 2012 (just shy of 90 years old) by screening applicants, reviewing their credentials, and interviewing candidates.

During her retirement, she actively participated in community activities and continued her quiet reflection and prayer ministry. Known as a woman of joy and peace and a lifelong student of grace and humility, Sister greeted everyone with her beautiful smile and kind words. Throughout her lifetime of dedicated service to Catholic education, Sister Mary Amelia’s deep faith, gentle spirit, intelligence, and relentless optimism made her an excellent role model of servant leadership, and the Dominican motto, “To praise, to bless, to preach,” was her steadfast witness to a faithful life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Sisters of Saint Dominic (1 Ryerson Avenue, Caldwell, NJ 07006) would be appreciated. Condolences may be left at www.proutfuneralhome.com.