Jennifer's Story

Jennifer Arvin went home to our loving God on Tuesday, May 3rd after a courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia resulting from Myelodysplasia. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Murray, and their daughter, Laura. She is predeceased by her parents, Victor and Christine, and her beloved sister Joanne Bergren. Jennifer retired from the New York City Board of Education where she worked as a Paraprofessional at William E. Grady Technical Vocational High School for over 20 years. Many students were able to graduate because she persistently called them in the early morning hours from the Attendance Office so they could get to school and earn their diploma. She and her family have lived in Gerritsen Beach for nearly 49 years. She loved Kiddie Beach, and the beach Opening Day was always one of her favorite days. She and Murray also loved traveling to Aruba and enjoyed over 20 years of annual vacations on that happy island. Jennifer enjoyed being a “snow bird” at their condo in Delray Beach, Florida for the last decade. She was an amazing cook and always welcomed everyone to her home. Jennifer never wanted people to be alone on the holidays. She was the President of the Parents Association at PS 277, a catechist at Resurrection Parish when her daughter was young, and was named Mother of the Year by the Cort Club a number of years ago. She was affectionately known as “Mrs. Claus” for playing that role for over 2 decades at the Annual Cort Club Christmas Party for Children. Jennifer loved her family deeply and was active in the many programs and fundraisers offered by Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer in Watchung, NJ where her daughter is the Director. She held on with all her strength for April 23rd so she could attend Laura’s 25th jubilee celebration as a Dominican Sister of Amityville.

My Mom was the strongest, most courageous woman I have ever know.

With love,
Laura