Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida announce loss of two due to COVID-19

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida High School have announced the death of two sisters due to COVID-19.

On Tuesday, The Sisters of Charity announced the death of Sister Gabriella Nguyen, 75, and Sister Monica Fumo, 78.

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, according to the school. She most recently spent time at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, where she continued to carry on the mission of the Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida.

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. The school says 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.

"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," said Sr. Theresa Rozga, provincial leader of the Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida.

"All of us at the high school are beyond sadness at the passing of the sisters," said SJA High School President Marikris Coryell. "Sr. Gabriella was well known for her contagious smile and her delicious egg rolls. Sr. Monica had a wonderful spark and sense of humor which she shared with everyone she met. They both left a warm and loving mark on all our hearts."

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.