Sister Mary Pontia Zdzichowska, the former Veronica Dolores Zdzichowska, died peacefully on February 1, 2022 at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, NJ.  She was 93 years old and had been a Felician Sister for 75 years.  Independent and strong most of her life, in January 2022 she was a victim of Covid-19 which caused pulmonary distress and her eventual demise.

Veronica was born March 6, 1928 to  Joseph Zdzichowski and Emily Dziokan in Jersey City, New Jersey.  The fifth of six children, Veronica had three Sisters and two brothers.  She and her siblings were enrolled at Saint Anthony's Grammar School by their religious, Polish parents who wanted their children to develop a love for their Catholic faith and their Polish heritage.  The Felician Sisters who taught in Saint Anthony's would fulfill the parents' desires for their children.

After graduating from Saint Anthony Elementary School, Veronica attended Ferris High School in Jersey for two years and then transferred to Immaculate Conception High School in Lodi, New Jersey.  She was an aspirant at ICHS, hoping to become a Felician Sister after high school.

She entered the postulancy of the Felician Sisters on July 16, 1946.  A year later she became a novice on August 5, 1947, donned the Felician habit and received her name in religious life, Sister Mary Pontia.  She pronounced her temporary vows on August 6, 1948 and six years later her final vows on August 6, 1954.

Pursuing further studies, she achieved her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Seton Hall University, South Orange followed by a Masters in Administration, also from Seton Hall.

For 21 years, Sister Pontia taught in schools staffed by Felician Sisters in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and in Washington, D.C.  She was a principal for 12 years.

Besides her work in education, Sister Pontia ministered in other capacities.  From 1963 through 1967 she was called to mission work in Brazil, South America.  There she taught English, algebra and religion in Our Lady of Mercy High School.  On weekends, she and the other Sisters attended to the very poor and needy.

A gourmet cook, Sister Pontia became culinary supervisor at the provincial  house for six years, a ministry she truly loved because of her creative bent.

At Felician College she became the plant manager for two years, then the payroll clerk and supervisor of the college cafeteria.

As plant manager for several years at Our Lady of Lourdes Infirmary, she maintained perfect order, supervised the cleaning and kept the machinery repaired.  Nothing escaped her scrutiny.

In 2007 she began the ministry of receptionist at the central convent.  Her clear, articulate voice was perfect for the job.  In between calls and the doorbell, she continued crocheting shawls for the sick in various patterns and hues.  Adept at her handwork, she produced many beautiful pieces to keep with the demands.

During the last years of her life she was receptionist on Saturdays and Sundays, faithfully answering phones and doors right up to a month before she died.  When Sister Elizabeth Marie Morley, local minister,  would thank her for this great service, Sister Pontia would respond that she was grateful to God that she could still do this!

On the lighter side, she loved a good joke, playing cards, lottery tickets and bingo.  These challenging games provided many good laughs and occasional arguments.

Sister Pontia was fluent in the Polish language and willingly translated Polish letters when requested.

An early riser, Sister Pontia was always the first to greet Jesus in the chapel, sometimes as early as 4:30 a.m.  Ever faithful to her prayer life, she sought strength for her ministries from her beloved Spouse and needed this time alone with Him.

For her 70 th anniversary of religious life in 2016, Sister Pontia submitted the following for publication in the province jubilee book:

As a Felician Sister for 70 years, I am very grateful to all the Sisters who have gone before me.  They have inspired me by their example of living very holy lives.  They always offered me valuable advice and encouragement.  I was made to realize that the length of life (88 years old) is less important than the intensity and sincerity with which you live it.

What makes this day so special is the fact that God has given us the gift of life to be here and to be able to celebrate with our religious family and friends as well.

The greatest memory for me is the time I was honored to go to Rome for the Beatification of Mother Angela.  This will stay with me forever.

I only know that without God's grace and protection, I would never have made it until today to celebrate.  Memories I will always have of the places and positions held and the good I have always tried to do.  I will keep these fondest memories forever.

In addition to her Felician family, students and professional colleagues, Sister Pontia is mourned by her nieces Mary Zieleniewski, Denise Zdzichowski, Nancy Lapsly, Imogene Zdzichowski, Geraldine Gowers and her nephews Michael Zieleniewski and wife Carol, John Zieleniewski and wife Susan and Richard Zieleniewski and wife Lalita.

The funeral Mass was offered in Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel in Lodi on Monday, February 7, 2022  at 10:00 a.m.  Burial followed in the Felician Sisters' Cemetery in Lodi.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord.  May she rest in peace.