Sr. Ernestine Bongiovanni Ascj

Sr. Ernestine Bongiovanni (Ernestine Bongiovanni) died peacefully on November 23, 2025 at Sacred Heart Manor, Hamden, CT. She was 85 years old and professed as an Apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for 64 years. Sr. Ernestine, daughter of the late Peter and Enez (De Simone) Bongiovanni, was born on December 21, 1939 in New Kensington, PA. Sr. Ernestine entered the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on September 1, 1958 in Hamden, CT. She professed First Vows on August 23, 1961 and Perpetual Vows on August 22, 1966 in Hamden, CT.
Sr. Ernestine (also known as Sr. Mary Peter) was the beloved niece of the late Sr. Ursula Bongiovanni, ASCJ and cherished cousin to many. She is also lovingly remembered by her religious family, the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and by her friends and former co-workers. As Sr. Ernestine's health declined, she was very lovingly cared for by the dedicated staff and sisters of Sacred Heart Manor.
Sr. Ernestine began her ministry at St. Anthony Home in New Haven, CT in 1960. She then served as the dietician at St. Raphael in Bridgeport, CT; Mt. Sacred Heart in Hamden, CT; Clelian Heights in Greensburg, PA and Sacred Heart Manor in Hamden, CT. Sr. Ernestine retired to Sacred Heart Manor in 2010 where she faithfully fulfilled her mission as an Apostle Adorer. For many years, she accompanied the sisters on piano, praising God with her musical talents at the liturgies at Sacred Heart Manor. She was also the faithful driver for many sisters and continued to share her culinary gifts, baking breads and sweets for her community. She is fondly remembered for her great kindness, patience and love for music.
The wake for Sr. Ernestine will take place on November 30, 2025 at Sacred Heart Manor Chapel, 261 Benham St., Hamden, CT from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on December 1, 2025 at Sacred Heart Manor Chapel at 2:00 p.m., followed by the burial at All Saints Cemetery, North Haven, CT. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Sr. Ernestine Bongiovanni to the retirement fund of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 295 Benham Street, Hamden, CT 06514. The IOVANNE FUNERAL HOME, INC. is in care of her arrangements.