Maria C Illy

Obituary

We are sad to tell you our dear friend and beloved biology teacher, Maria C. Illy, was called home by God on December 17, 2021. Ria, as she was called affectionately, taught at Saint Vincent Academy from 1963 to 2005. At the time of her retirement, the SVA community gifted Ria with a puppy she named Kelly. Ria loved Kelly and relished their daily walks around the neighborhood.

Though retired, Ria held Saint Vincent Academy close to her heart and kept abreast of the Academy's every day and special events. Her love of SVA focused primarily on her students to whom she devoted herself. An excellent, dedicated teacher, students praised her as their favorite teacher; the teacher having the greatest impact on their lives; the inspiration for their choosing a career in science.

Ria's devotion to SVA was equaled by her commitment to her faith. A devout Catholic she lived by the tenets of Catholic doctrine and supported her Church and its mission.

Ria was blessed to share her home with her late  brother's children, Antoinette and Walter, whom she nurtured through their adolescence and continue to support in their adulthood. Maria C. Illy Lived by her Convictions, giving all who knew her an example of integrity and strength.

Surviving are her nieces and nephews, Antoinette Moralishvili, Walter Illy, Karen Lordi and Greg Lordi. She is predeceased by her parents Jacob and Catherine Illy, siblings Hildegarde Lordi and Walter Illy, as well as her beloved puppy Kelly.

Funeral is Wednesday, January 5, 2022, 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. visitation at St. Nicholas Church,122 Ferry St, Jersey City, NJ 07307, with a 10:00 a.m. funeral mass. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, N. Arlington. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Saint Vincent Academy, 228 W Market St, Newark, NJ 07103