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Jerilyn Okin Obituary
Mrs. Okin lived in Teaneck before moving to Ringwood. She was a teacher at Demarest Middle School for more than 40 years before retiring in 2005. Also, she was a trustee of the Ringwood Public Library. She was a congregant of the Lakeland Hills Jewish Center and a teacher and trainer for the New Jersey Holocaust Commission. And, she was a member of the Skylands Botanical Garden Committee.
Services were Friday with Gutterman and Musicant Jewish Funeral Directors, Hackensack. Donations may be sent to the Ringwood Public Library.
Mrs. Okin is survived by her husband, Jason; her children, Jobi Zink and Jordana Okin; and her sister, Jondra Janava.
She was predeceased by her parents, Zena and Dave Kossack.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerilyn Okin
19 Entries
Eileen Corrado
December 23, 2013
The world has lost a true fountain of knowledge. "Mrs.Okin" dedicated herself to the education of young minds, many of which will remember her lessons for the rest of their lives. May she rest in peace
Rick Nerger
December 7, 2013
So sad to hear this very sad news. Mrs Okin was one of my favorite teachers at the Demarest Middle School in the early seventy's. I was very happy to reconnect with her and meet Jason a few years ago. My condolences to her family.
Leila (Paspalas) Taglieri
December 4, 2013
I was lucky to Have Mrs. Okin as a teacher at Demarest Middle school. She was tough and caring at the same time. She truly cared about her students. I did see her about a year before she retired and she looked great! Her face was still full of light and her smile was just as I remembered. May her memory be eternal.
Doree Mortillo
December 3, 2013
I've known Jason and Jerilyn for many years. Jerilyn was such a beautiful wonderful woman. I took care of her hair for the last 9 years, but have known this amazing couple for most of my life. I will miss her dearly and was shocked to find out about her passing. All my love to the family!
Colleen (Pagliuca) Llanos
December 3, 2013
So sadden by this news but so glad I was able to speak with her in September & laugh about the past! Jerilyn will always be in our hearts! My entire family send our deepest condolences & sympathy. Love, peace & blessings from all the Pagliuca's
Heather Macalister
December 2, 2013
Mrs. Okin was my teacher at DMS between 1978 and 1982 and I loved Social Studies because of her class. I remember her very clearly: her sense of humor and how hard she worked to teach us well (and, of course, her favorite quote burned on my brain: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it"!). It was clear how important our education was to her and I am thankful to her for teaching us. I am very sorry to hear of her passing and wish many happy memories to her family.
Patricia Joyce
December 1, 2013
Prayers go out to her beloved family and closest friends. She touched the lives of many she taught ... I being one of them ... and I am forever grateful to have had her as a teacher in Demarest. May she remain in many hearts for years to come.
Billy Riess
November 30, 2013
Jason, Jordana and Jobi, I'm so so sorry for your loss. I have nothing but happy memories of Jerilyn and will always remember her smile. Sending prayers your way.
Lauren Silberman
November 30, 2013
Although I didn't really know Jerilyn, I've had the pleasure of knowing Jobi and Jordana for years. Through her daughters, I've gathered what a strong and passionate person she must have been. She will be missed. My sympathies to her family and friends on this sad loss.
Jack Peters
November 30, 2013
Jason, our prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow! With love, Jack and Dottie Peters
Joanne Bonino-Pianghi
November 29, 2013
I had Mrs. Okin as a teacher, she was wonderful and helped you achieve your goals. May she RIP. prayers to her family
Pat Standen
November 29, 2013
I am shocked and deeply saddened by this news. Jerilyn was a special teacher, mentor and friend who had a profound impact on my life. The world lost a unique and wonderful woman. My heart is with Jason, Jobi and Jordana at this most difficult time. May she rest in peace.
Roberta Tsaggos Hoag
November 29, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs Okin's passing. I knew her when she was Miss Kossack and I had her as a teacher. She was terrific and always made me feel like I could do anything I set my mind to. She was a wonderful teacher and a wonderful person. My condolences to her family. She will be missed.
Susan Kaprielian
November 29, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. Your wife/Mom was a wonderful teacher, I enjoyed her class in DMS and learned so much from her. She presented an award to me in NVRHS as a representative from DMS. She told me that she was proud that I had decided to become a teacher. I was happy to hear that my sons' teacher, Collen Tambuscio, had learned about Holocaust Studies from her. She will always be in my heart and I hope this gives you some comfort.
Liz Marcus
November 29, 2013
I'm sorry to hear about Mrs. Okin's passing. I had her in middle school. She was tough but fair and I really appreciated that and learned much from her.
Diane Vazquez(Giuffrida)
November 29, 2013
I will always remember Mrs. Okin. I have many fond memories of her as my teacher at The Demarest Middle School(I had her as my teacher in the early 70's).
November 29, 2013
On behalf of Teaneck High School Class of 1960, we send our love to Jerilyn's family and friends at this profoundly sad time.
Bonnie Firmunn Morrow
Helen Roberts Schuckman
November 29, 2013
Mrs. Okin was a wonderful teacher, who made an impact on my life. May her memory be a blessing.
November 28, 2013
It was my pleasure to have taught with Jerilyn for many years at DMS. Our families became friends & Jason, Jerilyn, Jobi & Jordana celebrated many important milestones with our family. My 3 daughters looked up to Jobi & Jordana as "big girls" . We especially loved the annual 4th of July picnics at the Okin house. Jeri was so proud of Jason,the love of her life & her girls. She loved to travel, to cook & to share her vast knowledge of historical potpourri with everyone. She loved the theatre & our book club. She will be missed by her many students & teacher friends from Demarest but she leaves a legacy of great knowledge shared. Jason, Jobi,Eric & Jordana, you have much to be proud of! Love, Regina, Pete, Nicole, Jenni, & Christina Eftychiou
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
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Gutterman and Musicant Jewish Funeral Directors402 Park Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
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