The former St Joseph's College Lochinvar principal, who passed away last week following a long illness, was farewelled on Thursday by a congregation of former students, teachers and sisters of St Joseph.

Her funeral was held in St Patrick's Church, across the road from her beloved St Joseph's College.

Sr Anita was principal at Lochinvar for 15 years between 1968 and 1983.

St Joseph's, Lochinvar principal Trish Hales, who was a student at the school when Sr Anita was principal, said many ex-students, staff and friends of the college community would remember Sr Anita as an amazing woman who led the college for 15 years.

"In her parting words to St Joseph's in 1983, Sr Anita wrote: 'To everyone who has helped the school in any way, I join with St Paul in his letter to the Philippians: 'I thank my God whenever I think of you; and every time I pray for all of you, I pray with joy'.

"As a community we pray this week for Sr Anita with joy, and we thank God for the gifts of presence, service, integrity and wisdom that she so willingly shared with the college," Ms Hales said.

"Her vision, dedication and commitment to excellence will long be remembered and we extend our deepest sympathy to Sr Anita's family and the Sisters of St Joseph."

Acting Catholic Schools Office Director, Gerard Mowbray, said Sr Anita was a highly regarded and much loved educational leader of the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese.

"Her leadership of St Joseph's, Lochinvar demonstrated her astute and wise leadership," he said.

"Sr Anita was an innovative leader, empowering colleagues to create a dynamic learning environment for the students of Lochinvar.

"I came to know Anita in her later years when she had concluded her years as principal. In this time still working in schools, in particular St Clare's, Taree she was a wonderful mentor to many leaders passing on her significant wisdom, always tinged with great care and humour.

"She leaves an indelible legacy as a wonderful Josephite leader in our Catholic schools," Mr Mowbray said.