Sister Mary Agnesita Deren, the former Sofia Deren, completed her journey to the Kingdom of God early Sunday morning, February 1, 2026. She was 84 years old and had been a beloved member of the Felician Congregation for 67 years.

Sofia, the daughter of Anna Mach and Ludwig Deren, was born on May 1, 1941 in Poland. She and her brother Michael and sisters Stella and Krystyna grew up in Poland but emigrated to the United Statese of America in May of 1957. Sofia commenced her Elementary Education in Podstawawa, Poland and completed it at St. Casimir School Newark,Nj in 1958. She received a High School Equivalent Certificate from the State of New Jersey in 1970.

Sofia entered the Felician community on July 2, 1958. After a year of postulancy she was invested in the Franciscan habit on August 2, 1959. She professed her first vows on August 3, 1960 and her final vows on August 3, 1966. Sister Agnesita taught in many schools staffed by the Felician Sisters and  located in New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware. She taught grades 1 through 6 but most of her experience was in grades 2 through 4 where she excelled in the teaching of reading.

In 1971 Felician College awarded Sister Mary Agnesita a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. She also earned a New Jersey teacher certification at the same time. Other academic achievements included a Certificate in Handwriting Analysis after she completed a special program at Felician College. In 1972 the Kosciuszko Foundation granted Sister Agnesita a summer course in Polish language and culture in Poland. This gave her an opportunity to travel to the land of her birth and to deepen her knowledge of her Polish heritage which she loved so much. On March 11, 1963 Sister Agnesita became a naturalized American citizen in a special ceremony at the US District Court in Newark, New Jersey. From 1945 through 2000 Sister Agnesita did pastoral work in Saint Michael's Hospital in Newark, NJ. She was also a patient advocate.

In 2000 Sister came to live at Immaculate Conception Convent Lodi,  NJ where she taught in the Reading Center but also served as an ESL Teacher, receptionist, and chauffeur. She cherished the opportunity of adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in the provincial chapel and often volunteered for adorations. As busy as she was in teaching and ministering in other ways, she always realized that her spiritual life was her first priority.  Through the years Sister received many certificates of recognition: Exemplary Care at Saint Michael's Hospital, National Excellence in the Ministry to the Bereave, completion of American Heat Association CPR Course.

In the final years of her life, she transitioned from the active ministry to the ministry of prayer and presence. She witnessed some monumental changes in her convent living such as the merging of the local homes of the infirmary and motherhouse. She surrendered to these changes and the changes of her physical health. In the beginning of 2026 Sister spent several weeks on Hospice Care. Sisters came to visit her and pray with her. After midnight on Sunday, February 1, 2026 Sister Mary Agnesita quietly went to join her Spouse and Lord Jesus Christ.

Evening prayer for the Dead for Sister Mary Agnesita was held Sunday, February 8 at 6:00 p.m. The Mass of Resurrection will be held this morning at 11:00 a.m.. May she rest in peace.

Interment will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Lodi.