Sister Zita Torlai, M.P.F., 97, a member of the Religious Teachers Filippini for more than 75 years, died at Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, N.J., March 22.

Born in Lupinaia, Italy, Sister Zita entered the congregation in 1936. She received her habit the following year and made her final profession of vows in 1940. She attended the College of St. Elizabeth, Morristown.

She served in parish pastoral ministry and elementary education in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Ohio and South Carolina.

Locally, she taught at St. Bernadette School, Dyker Heights.

She is predeceased by two sisters, Sister Delia Torlai, M.P.F., and Sister Olga Torlai, M.P.F., and a niece Sister Rita Tassinari, M.P.F.

She is survived by her brother John Torlai of Torrington, Conn., and her sister Rita Dello Iacono of Sommerville, Mass.

Burial was in Ave Maria Cemetery, Morristown, N.J.