Sr Ramona

It is with deep sadness that we mark the passing of Sister Mary Ramona Borkowski who died on April 18 at the age of 93.

A Felician Sister for 74 years, Sr. Ramona dedicated her life to helping developmentally disabled children who she cherished dearly as “God’s little ones.” Sr. Ramona attended Immaculate Conception High School in Lodi then went to Seton Hall where she graduated cum laude with a B.S. in Elementary Education, before earning her M.A. in Special Education from Cardinal Stritch College in Wisconsin.

Sr. Ramona served at multiple educational institutions in the Archdiocese of Newark as well as in ministries in South Jersey and Philadelphia. In 1971 her dream of helping disabled children “grow in the fullness of life” became a reality when she founded the Felician School for Exceptional Children in Lodi with assistance from Felician Sisters Mary Loretta Borkowski, her sister, and Rose Marie Smiglewski.

Sr. Ramona also served in a leadership role as the school’s director, working tirelessly, and with great compassion recognizing the human dignity of individuals with special needs.

Sr. Ramona served as a Felician Board of Trustees member beginning in 1979, and in 1992 was recognized for her efforts on behalf of children when Felician gave her an honorary degree.

Funeral arrangements for Sr. Ramona will be made when New Jersey lifts restrictions due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

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About Felician University

Felician University engages over 2,300 undergraduate, graduate, and adult students through programs in Arts & Sciences, Business, Nursing, and Education. Universal Franciscan values of social justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity serve as an inclusive foundation for transforming the lives of tomorrow’s leaders. Felician University’s education is ranked 3rd best return on investment for private colleges in New Jersey 2018 by the PayScale.com College ROI Report and is ranked #1 safest college campus in the state by niche.com.