After 48 years of teaching, Sister Ann Jerome moved to Rochelle Park, New Jersey, where she had anticipated retirement, but instead became a permanent substitute teacher and volunteered with parish organizations
Sister Ann Jerome died September 13, 2025, in New Rochelle. She was 87 years of age.
The daughter of the late Charles and Alma (Albern) Kociolek, she was born March 13, 1938, in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Sister Ann Jerome entered the novitiate of the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh in September 1959, made her First Profession in June 1961, and Final Profession in August 1966. Sister Ann Jerome earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Mount Saint Mary College. She continued her education with numerous workshops and certificate programs, particularly in computer education.
Sister Ann Jerome taught at Saint Mary School in Gloucester, New Jersey, from 1961-67; Saint Rose School in Haddon Heights, New Jersey, from 1967-69; and Saint Joseph School in Bayonne, New Jersey, from 1969-73. She taught at Saint Paul School in Jersey City, New Jersey, from 1973-83, and was assistant principal at Saint Paul’s from 1983-93. Since 1993, Sister was an assistant associate of business affairs at Saint Benedict Parish in Newark, New Jersey. After 48 years of teaching, Sister Ann Jerome moved to Rochelle Park, where she anticipated retirement, but instead became a permanent substitute teacher and volunteered with parish organizations.
Sister enjoyed staying busy and especially enjoyed the challenge of repairing broken items. She was always ready to change a light bulb, fix the boiler, or clear out the gutters. She enjoyed gardening and completing puzzles.
Sister Ann Jerome is predeceased by her parents, her sister Dorothy Peterson, and her brother Robert Kociolek. She is survived by her Dominican Sisters of Hope, her brother Father Charles Kociolek, CSC, her sister Sister Margaret Charles Kociolek, OP, and her nephews and nieces.
Sister Ann Jerome’s funeral took place on Thursday, September 18, 2025, in the Chapel of the Most Holy Rosary at the Dominican Center, Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, New York. The viewing will be in the chapel beginning at 9:15 a.m. The Wake Service will follow at 10:15 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Sister’s burial will follow immediately after the liturgy in the Dominican Sisters’ Cemetery at Mount Saint Mary in Newburgh, New York.
Arrangements are under the direction of Brooks Funeral Home, Gidney Avenue, in Newburgh.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sister Ann Jerome’s name can be made to the Development Office of the Dominican Sisters of Hope, 299 North Highland Avenue, Ossining, New York 10562.