Obituary of Grace A

GRACE A. AQUALINA , a lifelong resident of Hackensack, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 26, 2013, at the age of 70 years. Prior to retiring in 2001, Grace was a beloved elementary and middle school teacher in the Hackensack school system for 37 years. She was a published author of memoirs and short stories, was an accomplished artist and had an adventurous spirit. She was a graduate of Ladycliff College of Highland Falls, NY where she received her Bachelor degree and Columbia University in New York City where she received her Masters Degree. She was a parishioner of Holy Trinity R. C. Church of Hackensack and served as a Eucharistic Minister at Hackensack University Medical Center where she was a member of the Bio Ethical Board. She was a member of the New Jersey Educational Association, the National Educational Association and the Bergen County Educational Association. Beloved daughter of the late James and Betty Aqualina. Dearest sister of Marie Consalvo and her husband Joseph of Woodcliff Lake. Loving aunt of Christine Klecanda and her husband Robert of Woodcliff Lake, Philip Consalvo and his partner William Easterling of New York, and Elizabeth Hoogendoorn and her husband Gerard of River Vale. Cherished great aunt of Alyssa, Joris, Robert, and Kathryn. Grace is also survived by many, many loving friends. The funeral on Monday, September 30th, at 9:45 AM, from the G. Thomas Gentile Funeral Home, 397 Union Street, Hackensack. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Trinity R. C. Church, 34 Maple Avenue, Hackensack, at 11:00 AM with entombment following at Hackensack Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 PM. Memorial donations to the Villa Marie Clare, 12 West Saddle River Road, Saddle River, NJ 07458, would be appreciated.