Tribute Wall
Saturday
15
January
Visitation
8:30 am - 10:00 am
Saturday, January 15, 2022
Norman Dean Home for Services
16 Righter Avenue
Denville, New Jersey, United States
(973) 627-1880
Saturday
15
January
Funeral Mass
10:30 am - 11:15 am
Saturday, January 15, 2022
St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church
15 Myers Avenue
Denville, New Jersey, United States
973-627-0269
Saturday
15
January
Interment Service
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Saturday, January 15, 2022
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery
52 Totowa Road
Totowa, New Jersey, United States
973-942-3368
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Theresa Ganguzza lit a candle
Sunday, February 20, 2022
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Ah, elegant and so smart… Mrs Beshar was such a class act. My family lived across the street at 197 Merritt drive, where the Beshar’s were constants in our lives. God bless both, Mr and Mrs Beshar, their four wonderful children and all the many grandchildren and great grandchildren that were so lucky to have such interesting grandparents to learn from. TGL
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Lynette Mauder posted a condolence
Monday, February 7, 2022
Hope - I remember your mom and biology class. I never liked any of the sciences (a math enthusiast instead) but I enjoyed going to class to see your mom’s fashionable outfits. I finally got my shingles shot last year along with all the COVID shots. Was waiting for Medicare before getting shingles shot. Lynette Foster Mauder ‘72
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Jane posted a condolence
Sunday, February 6, 2022
I still remember Biology class with Mrs. Beshar so clearly. She was a striking woman and I recall the beautiful jewelry pieces she wore. After a while we noticed a funny trend to her dressing--whenever there was a pop quizz in class, she often wore a black sweater that day (often a turtleneck). We worked the black sweater into one of the skits for an assembly and Mrs. Beshar said she never realized she did that! Luckily the skit was towards the end of the school year because after that she really mixed up her wardrobe and we couldn't tell anymore when she'd spring a pop quizz on us. She is among the many positive influences and heartwarming memories of my student years at IHA. May her soul Rest in Peace. ~ Jane Maliszewski, IHA '75
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Jennifer S Dernelle lit a candle
Monday, January 31, 2022
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God Bless You Mrs. Beshar....You were one of my most favorite teachers! It was a joy going to Biology! We were homegirls too as I lived in Oradell as well. I would see you at the parades in that wonderful old car you and your husband had, a wink at me when I was at the same Saturday night mass, and the many memories at IHA. You were so engaging as a teacher, it made you want to learn more. You just brought a smile to my heart.
My deepest thoughts and prayers to your family whom I know you cherished. You are free now....fly with the angels.
I'll "take a teacher to lunch" in your honor.
Rest in Love....
Jennifer Sperber Dernelle - Class of '76
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Leslie posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
A red candle lit in memory of my dear mother
Her favorite color was red
May she Rest In Peace
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Hope Beshar Sferra posted a condolence
Sunday, January 23, 2022
I am overwhelmed by the response of the IHA community, both fellow teachers and all the alumnae that remember my mother so fondly. It was very difficult for me as a high school student to attend the same school where my mother taught. I was mortified when the computer scheduled me to be in my mother's 2nd period biology class, and I had to endure one full class watching her start her first day of the semester. Mrs. Prosak came to my rescue and swiftly moved me to Sr. Consuello's 2nd period class. Throughout my 4 years, I did everything to avoid my mother in the halls, the cafeteria, and even refused to drive there in her car (preferring to be on the bus!) I knew from fellow classmates that my mother was a very well liked, (even coveted) teacher. So many times they would lament that they wished they had been in her class and not the one they had. I, of course, was thrilled I was taken out. I went on to college, choosing my mother and father's alma mater, (Michigan State University). I did little to stay "connected" to IHA. But my mother continued her teaching until 1984 when my son Daniel was born then retired after 15 long and dedicated years of service. I still have women stop me in the most unpredictable places who say, "Hi Hope, you are Mrs. Beshar's daughter, aren't you?" I, of course do not know who these women are, and they don't know me. They simply associate me with my mother! Even after her last day of employment, she remained true to her dedication to all that IHA stood for.She would never hesitate to tell me that she went to yet again, another alumnae reunion. She kept up with everyone of her fellow teaching staff members, as they had bi-monthly luncheons, some of them in our home. It was uncomfortable coming to my childhood home with the dining room filled with IHA teachers who were more a part of her life than mine. Anna O'Dea Morris was a very young and "with it" teacher when I attended IHA. Her baby sister, Susan O"Dea ('72), was my classmate. My mother stayed very close to Anna, and these other teachers, some of which are: Helen Reid, Marie McLaughlin, Mrs. Connolly, Mrs. Obitawczy, Sister Anne Jordan, Sr. Patricia Wall and her sister, Kay DiTolla, Marie McLaughlin, Mrs. Kaplan, Mrs. Ford, (our school nurse), the list goes on and on............ Some 20 years ago, the Academy, seeking to raise funds sponsored a "Buy a Brick" Program. I bought one and had it engraved for her. I surprised my parents, drove to Westwood to take them out to The Iron Horse and drove them up Van Emburgh Avenue, where I parked the car and walked them to see my dedication to her.
My father was so pleased at the surprise. I don't regret honoring my mother that ways. My mother's death came after 4 long and excruciating years of suffering. Despite medical research and advances in medical technology, there was no pain management medicine that could ease the nerve pain brought on by her third bout of shingles. She was found in her bed at her continuing care center unconscious but with a pulse, she was rushed to St.Claire's Hospital in Denville. It took us one month of working through the broken medical system and the bureacratic layers of hospital administration, finally have my mother transferred to the Hospice Center at St.Claire's Hospital in Dover. That was December 9th. I can not say enough about Hospice and especially the team at St. Claires in Dover. Those nurses eased my mother's pain and suffering and therefore eased her 4 children's suffering. I celebrated New Years Day this year with my mother. We both knew and prayed that the Lord would take her soon. She was as sharp as tack until the minute the God took her to heaven. Sadly she had a myriad of health issues too long to list. I was so appreciative that I could visit her and look right into her beautiful bright blue Irish eyes. Despite her physical deterioration, those blue eyes never changed. Remember we were the IHA Blue Devils in the seventies, and thankfully someone made the wise decision to change us to the IHA Blue Angels? Well my mother left this earth with those blue angel eyes. Ironically, Patricia Molloy will retire this year. Our Academy is celebrating its 60th Anniversary, and our Class of '72 is celebrating our 50th anniversary. I am planning on attending myself. It would be great to see many of you as well. Regardless, please know that my siblings and my children are forever grateful that IHA was such a blessed and valuable part of our mother's life.
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Willie Conway posted a condolence
Thursday, January 20, 2022
“Take a frog to lunch.”
Always the smile. A fabulous teacher. You will be missed
Wilma-Maria Conway
AKA : Willie
Class of 78
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Theresa Mccaffrey posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
My deepest sympathies to the Beshar family. Mrs. Beshar was always so lovely and SMART!! I was in awe! Please be comforted by her wonderfull memory and the lives she touched. Much love to you Hope as I will always remember our IHA years!
Terri Hackett McCaffrey Class of '72
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Hope Beshar Sferra Posted Jan 23, 2022 at 5:48 PM
Terri- This is a shock but a welcome surprise after so many years. You were and still are one of my most valued friends from IHA. I don't think we ever spoke again once we graduated, but I remember sending you a letter in Boston when I read in our IHA newsletter that you lost one of your children at such a tender and young age. My heart was broken reading that, and still is. God bless you all. I remember your mother and your sister. Feel free to email me at hope@hopesferrainteriors.com.
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Chris Trezza posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
My deepest sympathies to the family she so loved. I taught at IHA with Mary Ann from 1974-1979, and although she was in the Science Dept, and I was with the Languages, I remember her well. She was always so sweet to us non science minded especially when we asked a naive question!. Mary Ann was regal in her deportment and dressed so well...even under her lab coats! I remember her conversations about various Operas with other members of the faculty... and often questioned her. She often invited us novices to attend shows with her, but I don't think any of us ever did. I wish you all peace and good memories of a lovely lady.
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Geraldine Beatty posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Fondly remembering Mrs. Beshar as an intelligent, kind educator. I loved seeing her at reunions through the years. She had a remarkable memory. I pray that her family will be comforted by wonderful memories of a life well-lived.
Gerry Beatty, Class of 73
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Lisa McMurdo posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Mrs Beshar, (as I knew her) -was a wonderful biology teacher. She had a flair for making it interesting & fun. I also loved her fashion style-colorful, vibrant, unique & bold. She had an energy, enthusiasm for science that she deftly communicated to students. Her passing has many of us reminiscing about her. She gave a lot of young women a strong foundation & a soft place to land. My convalescences to her loved ones. Lisa McMurdo, IHA, Class of 1976.
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Kathleen R. McCabe Posted Jan 19, 2022 at 7:28 PM
Lisa McMurdo and I were in the same graduating class and knew each other. I remember vividly Mrs. Beshar in biology class and i disected a frog. I am sure i was not her favotite student but I will always remember her . She always encouraged me and was kind.Q
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Jeanmarie Lang Fraser posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
I send my sympathy to Mrs. Beshar's family, especially to my IHA classmate, Hope. I remember your mother as my biology teacher and always admired her knowledge as well as her wonderful style! Mrs. Beshar was without a doubt the most elegant and fashionable teacher at IHA! I loved seeing she continued to show off her beautiful smile in her later years. (I loved looking at some of the slides, and seeing Hope too!) Our mothers are so special, for they knew us before we knew us. Only God has known us longer than our mothers! Know that your mother is in the hearts of so many women! May she rest in peace.
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Gail Guillotte posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
I was a student, class of 71, in Mrs. Beshar's Biology class and remember her making it a fun learning experience. I must add how I was always impressed with her fashion sense.
God Bless Mrs. Beshar and my prayers and condolences to her family.
Gail Guillotte
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Srs. Gloria and Pat Wall posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Mary Jane was a gentle woman and a fine teacher in the time we spent together teaching at IHA. May she now rest in glory.
ASrs. Gloria and Pat Wall, csjp
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Barbara Schwabik Brennan posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
I taught with Mary Jane at IHA from 1971-'76.....she was a wonderful person, and she excelled at her job, but most of all, I remember how much she loved her family.......my condolences, may she rest in peace.
Barbara Schwabik Brennan, IHA '67
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Ann Marie Mortillo Okoniewski posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
My condolences to the family of Mrs. Beshar. She was my biology teacher at IHA in 1974. I still remember her character and enthusiasm. RIP to a great lady.
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Kathy Ross posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
My condolences to the family of Mrs. Beshar. She was a wonderful teacher and I will remember her with love and admiration.
Kathy Ross- IHA ‘73
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Laurie Simms posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
I too had Mrs Beshar for sophomore biology. She had the highest standards and demanded no less, a real straight shooter. Even though science was not my favorite subject, I’m glad Mrs Beshar and I crossed paths. May she now rest in God’s loving arms.
Laurie Wise Simms, class of 77
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Barbara Fedorchak posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
It was always a pleasure to see Mrs Beshar around the halls of IHA. So lively and fashionable. Condolences to the family.
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Tricia Ross Lucia lit a candle
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
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Mrs. Beshar was a beautiful person inside and out. She made Biology fun for all that were lucky to have her as a teacher.
I look back at my days at IHA and she was one of my favorite teachers and roll models.
My heartfelt condolences to her family.
Rest In Peace Mrs. Beshar you earned it.
Tricia Ross Lucia - 1976
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Rickie lit a candle
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
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Science was not my strong suit, but Mrs. Beshar made it fun and so interesting! I'm glad she had a nice long life. My condolences to her family. I love this picture of her. It conveys her warmth and enthusiasm. And her great style!
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Rosemary Kwaterski posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
She was one of the most fun & dynamic teachers at IHA. She fostered a love of biology in her students and made our classes enjoyable while learning. RIP
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Carole Sobiechowski lit a candle
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
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My sincere condolences to the Beshar family!
Carole DeLauro Sobiechowski class of ‘72
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Patricia posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
I have never forgotten Mrs. Beshar, she was an amazing teacher and woman. I had her as my biology teacher when I attended Immaculate Heart Academy. I loved her style and her way of making the class enjoyable and understandable. She touched my life as a student and a person. My sincere condolences to her family. I was blessed to have had her in my life.
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Antoinette Folkard posted a condolence
Thursday, January 13, 2022
Our sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom, Mary, May she always be with you in spirit and love.
Antoinette and Stephen
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The family of Mary Jane Beshar uploaded a photo
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
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