Sister Marie Antoinette Manuzza

We gather as a faith community to celebrate and to give thanks to our gracious God for the humble and beautiful life of Sister Marie Antoinette Mannuzza, a Sister of St. Joseph for 68 grace-filled years .

A true Brooklynite, Antoinette was the proud daughter of Italian immigrants Margaret and Angelo and the beloved sister to Carlo and Anthony.  Their family life centered around the parish activities of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Brooklyn where Antoinette grew in a deepened love of the Eucharist and devotion to the Blessed Mother.

After attending Mabel Dean Bacon Vocational HS and graduating from Washington Irving HS, Antoinette studied at Pratt Institute and Ohio State University, specializing in the field of dietary training.  Working as a dietician at Lenox Hill Hospital, followed by the same role at Sloan Kettering and Mercy Hospital, was very rewarding but not “enough” to fill the heart and soul of the young Antoinette.

Having met the Sisters of St. Joseph in her own parish and at various religious programs, Antoinette answered God’s call at the age of 26, entering the community in 1958.  With great devotion and determination she taught Home Economics in the Academy of St. Joseph, St. Angela Hall and, Bishop Kearney HS while earning a Master’s degree in Home Economics from Brooklyn College.

Antoinette’s firm but gentle approach to life’s practical necessities, coupled with her propensity for the care and sacredness of all creation characterized her teaching style.  Everything and everyone mattered!  “Waste not, want not” was the mantra she lived by.  She once asked the community for $100 for a new mattress, hoping to pay $74, but in the end it cost $99, and she sent Sister John Raymond the $1.00 change,

1978 was a turning point in Antoinette’s ministerial focus, influenced by her faith-filled interaction with parishioners at St. Athanasius over the years, and her ongoing growth in her personal spiritual journey.  Filled with zeal and a transformative commitment to serve God’s people and the dear neighbor, Antoinette stepped into a role in Pastoral Outreach Ministry to the homebound and elderly at St. Ephrem’s, one that spanned 36 years of dynamic, selfless presence ever open to God’s grace.  Her relational skills and her ability to listen openly and non-judgmentally endeared her to all.

In her retirement, time as she said, “to smell the roses,” Antoinette moved to St. Ephrem’s Convent (after Bishop Kearney Convent closed) for 7 years, to enjoy renewed friendships and once again became the welcoming face of God to many.  The opportunity to break bread together at Eucharist with parishioners, followed by a good Italian meal, was Antoinette’s idea of heaven.

As Antoinette’s health needs grew she decided to move to the Stella Maris Community – a choice that brought peace, contentment, and a quality of care that nourished her body and soul.

We’re blessed that Sister Kathy Murphy, Administrator at Stella Maris will share a reflection of Antoinette’s life at her beloved Stella Maris.

Kathy’s reflection will be followed by our closing community ritual led by Sister Miriam Daniel

As the Sisters and Staff reminisced about the gentle life of S. Marie Antoinette, many memories and special moments were shared. Many recalled that when S. Antoinette asked “How are you?”, she really wanted to know.  She was truly interested in your answer and expressed genuine care as she listened. She made people feel seen, noticed, and always valued.  Everyone was included in her circle of care . . . people, animals, plants!  New plants bloomed under her green thumb, and her fish tank was a source of delight for many.

During her long life, Sister provided new life for all those with whom she ministered and lived.

Her work as a teacher, nutritionist, cook, pastoral minister (especially to the homebound), medical consultant, and moderator of the Friends Club at St. Ephrem’s Parish gives witness to her many talents and skills!

Perhaps It was her radiant smile that drew people to her.  As one member of the staff at Stella Maris noted, “the dining room will never be the same without S. Marie Antoinette.  I loved to see her every morning with her beautiful smile, wearing a favorite baseball cap from her collection!  Her smile lit up a room!”

As the day moved on. S. Antoinette could be found in the parlor . . . quietly enjoying moments of reflection . . .or reading the Daily News. A woman of few words, Sister ministered in many ways to the people she met.  In charge of many parties, events, and activities, her humor and her varied skills enriched many lives.

As she drew to the end of her earthly life, she continued to say “Thank you” again and again to everyone for everything.

From the Sisters who prayed with her to the nurses and aides who cared for her, S. Antoinette expressed thanks for every kindness. Now, as we offer our farewells, we give thanks to our loving God for the gift that she has been for so many.

May we follow her gentle example of smiles and gratitude as we go through the days ahead.

Sister Marie Antoinette Manuzza, the former Antoinette Margaret Manuzza, died on January 16, 2026 in the 68th year of her religious life.