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Sister M. Evangela Hoffmann, F.D.C.
November 19, 1934 – November 8, 2026
The Daughters of Divine Charity commend to the loving embrace of God Sister M. Evangela Hoffmann, F.D.C., who entered eternal life on November 8, 2026, at Carmel Richmond Nursing Home, Staten Island, New York. She was 91 years old.
Born on November 19, 1934, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Robert Frank and Ruth Agnes (Self) Hoffmann, she was baptized Roberta Frances Hoffmann. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Bernard and Berniece.
Responding generously to God's call, she entered the Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Charity and professed her First Vows on February 2, 1954, and her Final Vows on August 15, 1960. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education and later obtained her Master's Degree in Education, preparing her for a life of dedicated service in Catholic education.
Throughout more than seventy-two years of religious life, Sister Evangela faithfully lived the charism of the Daughters of Divine Charity, "Making God's Love Visible." Her witness carried her to schools, parishes, convents, and ministries in California, Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, and New York, where she generously shared her gifts in service to God's people. Guided by the Congregation's enduring motto, "All for God, for the Poor and for our Congregation," she embraced every assignment with humility, fidelity, and joy.
As an educator, catechist, sacristan, receptionist, and caregiver, Sister Evangela touched countless lives through her kindness, patience, and dedication. Following her years as a teacher, she devoted herself to serving the sick and elderly, offering compassionate care and a reassuring presence to those entrusted to her.
At the heart of Sister Evangela's life was an abiding love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. The Eucharist was her daily strength and the center of her spiritual life. Even during her later years at Carmel Richmond Nursing Home, she remained devoted to attending daily Mass whenever possible. Her love for the Blessed Mother led her to gather fellow residents in the daily recitation of the Rosary, inviting others to deepen their faith through prayer and love for the Eucharist.
Sister Evangela was known for her warm and welcoming spirit. She delighted in making others feel at home, often sharing a joke, an inspiring religious quotation, or stories from the rich history and heritage of the Daughters of Divine Charity. Through her prayerful presence, joyful faith, and genuine interest in others, she made God's love visible in both ordinary and extraordinary ways.
The Daughters of Divine Charity give thanks for Sister Evangela's faithful witness, her devotion to the Eucharist and Our Blessed Mother, and her steadfast commitment to the mission of the Congregation. Having spent her life proclaiming God's love through word and example, may she now rejoice in the presence of the Lord whom she served so faithfully.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Convent Chapel, Staten Island, New York. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., with Father Fatmir Koliqi presiding. Interment will immediately follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Staten Island.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Daughters of Divine Charity.
Sister Evangela has entered her eternal home she so deeply longed for, where she will be with Jesus forever.
Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your master.
Matthew 25:23
Sister M. Marlene Burke, F.D.C. Funeral Announcement
With deep sorrow and profound trust in God’s eternal promise, we announce that Sister M. Marlene Burke, F.D.C. passed away peacefully early in the morning of October 8, 2026, at the age of 92.
A Daughter of Divine Charity for 71 years, Sister Marlene devoted her entire religious life to serving the Congregation with joy, fidelity, and unwavering love. Her ministry took her throughout Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York, where she served in the field of education as teacher, principal and catechist reaching the hearts of her students and families she served.
Sister Marlene’s love for education was wholehearted and lifelong. No matter the subject or grade level, she challenged her students to strive for excellence, to grow in character, and to deepen their sacramental life. Her gentle strength, clarity of purpose, and devotion to the spiritual formation of young people remain a cherished part of our Congregation’s legacy.
Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on September 24, 1934, she was the beloved daughter of Edwin Francis Burke and Elizabeth Ann Fulup and was given the baptismal name Ellen Elizabeth. The Burke family was blessed with two religious vocations: Sister Marlene and her brother, who became known in the Church as Msgr. Edwin Francis Burke.
Funeral services for Sister Marlene will be held on Saturday, October 10th, at St. Joseph Hill Convent, 850 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10305. Visitation will take place before the Mass of Resurrection at 9:45 a.m. which will be celebrated by Father Michael Martini, Pastor of Holy Rosary Parish, Staten Island.
Following the liturgy, Sister Marlene will be laid to rest in the family plot at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Stratford, Connecticut.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Daughters of Divine Charity.
We give thanks to God for Sister Marlene’s long life, her joyful witness, and her steadfast commitment to making God’s love visible. We ask our friends, families, and benefactors to join us in prayer for the repose of her soul.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in eternal peace.
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