'Profound loss:' 2 sisters from Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida die due to COVID-19



MILWAUKEE -- Two sisters from the Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida have died due to the coronavirus, officials announced on Tuesday, May 19. They are Sr. Gabriella Nguyen, 75, and Sr. Monica Fumo, 78.

A news release says Sr. Gabriella, a native of Vietnam, was an alumna of St. Joan Antida High School and went on to work for the school for many years in a variety of capacities. She most recently spent time at St. Charles Borromeo Parish where she continued to carry on the mission of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Joan Antida.

Sister Monica, Sister Gabriella



Sister Monica



Sr. Monica served for more than 50 years as a teacher, administrator, counselor, and friend to thousands of young women who studied at St. Joan Antida High School. She was well known for her involvement in the annual Spaghetti with the Sisters and Nun Run events, as well as her many connections to the Italian community in southeastern Wisconsin.

Sr. Monica was a regular guest on FOX6's Real Milwaukee -- promoting fundraisers supporting the young women at St. Joan Antida. She also attracted attention from the Green Bay Packers for her love of the game.

"As Vince Lombardi said, 'God, family and Packers.' I agree with him completely. He was a smart man," Sr. Monica once said.

Sr. Theresa Rozga, provincial leader of the Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida, issued the following statement:

"This is a profound loss for our community and the many members of the SJA family. Both of our beloved sisters will be remembered for their lives of service to God and their love for all God’s people."


Sisters to be remembered

A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date. Further updates regarding opportunities to celebrate the lives of these sisters will be posted on the school’s website and Facebook page.

Meanwhile, if you are interested in sending your condolences or making a memorial gift in their honor, send your correspondence according to your preference to the following:

Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida
8560 N. 76th Place
Milwaukee, WI 53223

St. Joan Antida High School
1341 N. Cass Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202