Obituary of Sr. Mary Ann Peters

Sister Mary Ann Peters, formerly Sister Mary Vincenz, age 80, died peacefully on February 21, 2025, at McAuley Hall Health Care Center in Watchung, New Jersey. Born in Newark, New Jersey, the only daughter of Vincent and Florence Peters, she attended St. Mary Elementary School, New Monmouth, and Red Bank Catholic High School, Red Bank, New Jersey. Following graduation from high school, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1962. Her first degrees were in English and reading, which she earned from Georgian Court College, now University, and Seton Hall University, respectively. She continued her education in mental health and psychology, earning her Masters in Social Work from Fordham University in New York.

Sister Mary Ann’s first ministry assignments were to parish grammar schools in Somerset, Keansburg, Bernardsville, and East Trenton, New Jersey. In 1979, she was assigned to Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville, where she taught English. In 1988, she was drawn to explore other ministries and found an opportunity to train in health care at Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center in the Bronx. From secretary in Central Medical Supply, she advanced to positions as a clinical social worker and earned a certificate in psychotherapy. Because she was granted tuition for additional training in exchange for maintaining a full-time position, her schedule was busy but very rewarding. In her unscheduled time she developed her skills in calligraphy and produced lovely illuminated copies of poetry and prose works.

In later years, she reflected on how each step along the way had fallen into place for her and how the simple faith of many of her patients had sustained them through difficult journeys. She felt it was a privilege to share their struggles, and she was inspired by their courage as she faced challenges herself. She spent her final years at McAuley Hall Health Care Center, Watchung. She lived and died faithful to the motto she chose at her profession: Christ, My Life, My Joy, And Only Way.

Sister Mary Ann is survived by her brother, Donald, and his wife, Carol, of Milltown, New Jersey.

Visitation will take place at McAuley Hall Health Care Center, 1633 Highway 22, Watchung, New Jersey, on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

Wake: 9:00 A.M

Welcome Home: 10:15 A.M.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 AM

Burial will follow in Holy Redeemer Cemetery, South Plainfield, NJ

Memorial donations may be made to Sisters of Mercy, 1645 US Highway 22, Watchung, NJ 07069.