Sister Ann Laforest, OCD, of the Carmelite Monastery in Beacon, New York, entered eternal life peacefully on Friday, July 12, 2024 at Ozanam Hall of Queens Nursing Home, in Bayside, N.Y., where she had been a resident since October 2019.

Sister Ann of Jesus (Antoinette Laforest) was born on June 19, 1933 in Washington, DC, the daughter of Alfred and Eva (Dent) Laforest. She attended St. Teresa’s grade school in Anacostia, DC, and one year at Holy Angels Academy in Fort Lee, New Jersey. After graduation from St. Cecilia High School in Englewood, New Jersey, Sister Ann worked in the offices of The Times Herald, a local newspaper. She entered the Carmelite Monastery in Saranac Lake, New York in May 1954, and on May 10, 1956, made her profession of vows.

Sister received a B.A. in music from the State University of New York Empire State College, where she studied was a member of several singing groups. In 1968 she spent a year in Africa on the Carmelite missions.

Sister Ann was skilled in many areas and generously shared her gifts with community and friends. In particular, she contributed her musical abilities to the liturgical life of the community.

Sister Ann spent several years studying scripture, theology, ethics, psychology and pastoral care at Boston College and Boston University. She earned a Master’s Degree in sacred theology from Boston University. During that time, she received certification as director of religious education in the Archdiocese of Boston. She assisted in directing adult education programs in Catholic parishes and worked as an assistant teacher in a Montessori School. Sister loved working with children and was a live-in nanny while living in Boston.

When Sister Ann returned to community, she immersed herself in the life of the community, describing herself as a “full-time volunteer.”

Sister Ann has been a caring friend to many throughout her life. She especially sought ways to better the lives of those suffering from injustice and discrimination.

Sister Ann was deeply devoted to St. Thérèse and studied her life and writings in depth. Her book The Way to Love: Thérèse of Lisieux was published by Sheed & Ward in 2000.

Sister Ann was predeceased by her parents and siblings Aubin, Stephen, William, and Frances Laforest Kieffer. She is survived by her loving sisters Mary Alciere, Virginia Uliana (Al), Celeste Fatora, and by many nieces and nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews whom she loved dearly. Until her death, she was a beloved presence in the lives of her dear ones.

Friends may call at the Monastery from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. on Friday, July 19. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Monastery Chapel by Father Richard G. Smith, pastor of St. Joachim-St. John the Evangelist Parish in Beacon, at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 19. Burial of Sister’s cremated remains will follow at St. Joachim’s Cemetery, Beacon, New York.

To send a personal condolence please visit www.riverviewbyhalvey.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Patrick J. Halvey of Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, LLC.