Elena J. Papa, 93, a longtime parishioner and teacher in St. Mary Mother of Jesus parish, Bensonhurst, died May 1.
She taught fourth and fifth grades in St. Mary Mother of Jesus School for 25 years until she retired in 1982.
A funeral Mass was concelebrated by Msgr. Andrew J. Vaccari, St. Mary Mother of Jesus pastor, and Msgr. William E. Koenig, rector, St. Agnes Cathedral, Rockville Centre.
She is survived by her children, Anna and Gerard, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Hello Anna and Gerard,
I was in your mother’s class in 1962-63. I remember you both. She was wonderful, dedicated and loving! I am sorry to hear of her death and I will say a prayer for your family. I was in her class the year she taught her fourth graders Italian because she felt she had a really bright class that year. In fact, I think at least 3 members of that class became doctors! She was innovative before it became the fashion.
Sincerely,
Suzanne McMahon Carroll