Sophia Louisa Rosario-Van Ess

Sophia Vaness surrendered to the Lord’s call and passed into eternal life on January 14, 2026. Born August 30, 1955, in Newark, New Jersey, Sophia was the beloved daughter of the late Doris Rosario and Luis Rosario. As a young girl, Sophia attended Blessed Sacrament elementary school and graduated from Clifford J Scott High School in East Orange, NJ. She continued her education at Kean University.

Sophia had two sons, Charles and Reginald Thompson, from her first marriage. She later wed Richard VanEss in 1989 and together they welcomed their daughter Chelsea.

While working as a secretary, Sophia returned to Kean University to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree and subsequently attained her Teaching Certification. Sophia began her teaching career at Emerson Elementary School in Plainfield, NJ, in 1996 as a second and third grade teacher. In 1998, she joined the Piscataway school district as a third grade teacher. Her commitment to education shone through her roles as an instructor for the district's English as a Second Language (ESL) program, Elementary Reading Coach, and adjunct professor at Middlesex County College. Sophia was honored with four awards for organizing student participation in Martin Luther King's Peace March and received the 2000 Governor's Teacher Recognition award.

 Sophia returned to Kean University, earning her Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration for Principals/Supervisors. She pivoted into school administration in 2005, serving as vice principal in Plainfield, Franklin Township, Hunterdon County, and as principal in Hillsborough. After her retirement in 2019, Sophia continued to serve as interim vice principal and principal in the school districts of Manville, Westwood, and Hackensack, demonstrating her unwavering passion for education.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Sophia cherished her family deeply and took immense pride in caring for her grandchildren. She was loved and respected by all who knew her. Sophia’s generosity, inner beauty, and strength were evident throughout her life. Her strong will and unshakable faith in God empowered her to face a fierce illness with remarkable courage and grace.

Sophia was an active member of Our Lady of the Mount Virgin Parish in Middlesex, NJ. She taught catechism, participated in the Bells musical choir, and was a dedicated representative of the parish’s St. Vincent de Paul program.

Throughout her life, Sophia found joy in dancing, playing games with family and friends, taking her grandchildren to movies and shows, and sunbathing at the shore and pool. During her time in the Lake Ridge community in Toms River, she embraced new friendships and activities, including pickleball, the Women's Club, Cooking Hotties, Shalom, Wine Cultural Society, Line Dancing, and Danceations.

Sophia leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband Richard, sons Charles (Brey’Ana) and Reginald (Jaymee) daughter Chelsea (Marquay), nine grandchildren, brother Luis (Therese), sister Dorinda (El Amin), brother Nicholas (Diane), sister Julissa (Jorge), and a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and friends. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered for her love, strength, and unwavering commitment to her family, friends, and students.