Sister Jeanette Tenaglia, CSJ
Nov 22, 2018
Our congregation’s mission of unity through love of God and neighbor without distinction was visible and shared with all who knew and loved Jeannette Tanaglia, a sister of St. Joseph for sixty eight years
Born in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish to Sabina and Antonio, Jeannette attended public school in Astoria and Long Island City. Entering our congregation in 1950, she taught elementary school in St. Michael’s, both in Brooklyn and Queens and in St. Theresa of Avila and St. Martin of Tours. During that time Jeannette earned a degree in Business from St. John’s University. Certification in Educational Administration from Fordham University enhanced her ministry as Principal in St. Theresa of Avila in Ozone Park and her twelve years as principal of her beloved St. Anthony of Padua Elementary School in East Northport. St. Anthony’s was her home and in her later years, she continued to minister to and with the parishioners in the food pantry and in the ministry of consolation.
In all of her ministries, Jeannette brought her love of life, her deep faith and her creative and determined self. She cherished relationships with her sisters in community, with her dear friend Eileen Christie, and with so many persons who joined her in ministry or shared peace-filled and renewing time at the Weston Priory.
Jeannette had the unique gift to engage and support others. Whether it was a welcome home-cooked meal or should I say home-cooked gourmet meal, Jeannette engaged and encouraged people to be the best they could be with her practical and wise advice. Her business degree came in handy when she assumed the role of Office Manager for Fifth Avenue Chocolatier where she continued to develop new relationships, share her gifts, and of course the chocolates.
As she faced the challenges of aging, Jeannette relied on her deep faith, secure, knowing that the God who called her by name would always accompany her. She would be confident that we walk by faith, not by sight as she tried to understand how Eileen was missing. She waited and anticipated until God gifted her with the awareness that Eileen was at peace. Recently, we celebrated Eileen’s life and within days, Jeannette joined her in eternal peace with her loving God. We celebrate Jeannette’s deep faith, her love of life and her commitment to our congregation.
Sister Jeanette Tenaglia, CSJ died on November 22, 2018 in the 68th year of her religious life.