Jocelyn Rogers Jerry

1926 - 2016

Jocelyn Rogers Jerry obituary, 1926-2016, Speculator And Albany, NY

Jocelyn Jerry Obituary

Jerry, Jocelyn Rogers

Speculator & Albany: passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 27, 2016 at Pleasant View Center in Concord, NH. Jocelyn Rogers Jerry (Lyn), nee Jean Joslyn Rogers, was born on October 1, 1926 in Honolulu, Hawaii where her father, George Dewey Rogers, was stationed as a West Point graduate and World War I veteran. Her mother, Hope Danforth Joslyn, an adventuresome college graduate from Missouri, had moved to Hawaii to teach and soon met and married the young Lt. Rogers. Lyn attended Wellesley College graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in history in 1947. Her senior year Lyn met Harold A. Jerry, Jr. (Jerry), a veteran from Plattsburgh N.Y., who was attending Harvard Law School. Three dates later Jerry proposed and they married in September 1947. Their first child, Harold A. Jerry, III, (Chip) was born in Boston while the next three, Danielle, Jocelyn, and Philip were born in Elmira, N.Y., where Jerry practiced law and was soon involved in state politics. Jerry's sister claimed that where Lyn campaigned Jerry won the precinct; she was an asset with her warmth and life long gift of remembering names. As her children advanced through elementary school, Lyn started teaching and working toward her Master's in Education at Elmira College. In 1961 Lyn and Jerry bought Dug Mountain Ponds, an Adirondack property in Speculator, N.Y. The property quickly became central to the family's life. In 1963, the family moved to Delmar, N.Y., so Jerry could work for Governor Rockefeller. Lyn promptly began her 32 years as Mrs. Jerry, English teacher at Bethlehem Central High School. During this time, she also served her husband Jerry as his chief sounding board and supporter in both his career as a NY State Public Service Commissioner and in his involvement with Adirondack-based environmental groups. Lyn and Jerry were also avid balletomanes and supporters of their son Philip's career as a ballet dancer with the Joffrey Ballet. Lyn retired in 1995, chiefly to provide care for her son, Philip, who was to die of AIDS a year later. Unfortunately, Jerry was also ill, and in 2001 Lyn lost her husband of 54 years. As family matriarch, she took over sole management of Dug Mountain Ponds with its three hunting clubs and active forestry program. She loved sharing her passion for the Adirondack woods with her eight grandchildren and many visitors. Lyn moved through life with a big easy smile, making friends as she did her errands in Albany and travelled from Georgia to Alaska, visiting her children and relatives. Lyn is survived by her sister Ann Lees Quinn of Vienna, VA; son, Harold A Jerry, III (Marilyn M Jerry) of Princeton, N.J., Danielle G Jerry (Robert Platte) of Potsdam, N.Y., Jocelyn Jerry-Wolcott (James Wolcott) of Concord, N. H., and 8 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 10 am, July 8, at St. Mary's Church, Albany, NY. A reception will follow at 12 pm at the Ten Broeck Mansion, 9 Ten Broeck Place, Albany. Contributions in her memory may be made in Lyn's name to Adirondack Wild adirondackwild.org or Protect the Adirondacks protectadks.org.

Published by Star-Gazette on Jul. 3, 2016.
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Such a brilliant teacher and role model. I wish that I had stayed in touch more with her as an adult. She gave so much to her students, and we are all grateful to her.

Lila Geer York

School

April 20, 2022

Hiking over the saddle of Driftwood Mt. I was president of Back Log Camp for 30 years and knew both Harold and Jocelyn as good friends and neighbors. The logging roads down Dug Mt Brook and McGinn and Woodland Brook, like all of us aren't what we used to be. Our best to a good family. David and Harriet Borton.

July 13, 2016

Mrs. Lyn and I first met on an incredibly hot Albany day, while she moved bags and boxes from her truck. I ask to help her and pleasantly declined once and firmly denied twice. It was in that moment that I recognized her awesomeness. We said good mornings and had whats happening small talk for a few years after that. After reading the thoughts shared by people along her journey,
Im honored to have spent time with someone who gave so much to our local community, and across the world. Her wisdom to me:
1. carry you own load no matter what because its good for you
2. live with joy
3. what you sow will grow in time

Thank you Mrs. Lyn

Jonathan Jones

July 12, 2016

Mrs. Jerry was my American Literature teacher at BCHS in the mid-80s. While I wasn't aware of the many facets of her storied life, I knew she was special. She would mention aspects of her life that made it clear that she had connections and experiences far afield from our suburban cocoon. I found her to be a role model and inspiration. My deepest condolences.

Jean (Winkler) Onufrak

July 10, 2016

Mrs Jerry was the epitome of style, substance and grace for a girl growing up in Delmar--indeed, a model for anyone, anywhere, anytime and about anything. Having lost Phillip, she was of great comfort to me when my own son died. Thank you, Lyn.

Michele Longo Eder

July 9, 2016

What a beautiful difference one life made in mine and many other's lives. My sincere condolences to the family and wonderful legacy Mrs. Jerry leaves this great earth she loved so much.

Kathryn Blanchard

July 9, 2016

Lyn was maid of honor at my wedding. I spent a week with her in the Adirondacks
to celebrate her 80th birthday. Lyn a beloved friend.

Priscilla Richmond Randall

July 8, 2016

Joycelyn Rogers was a breath of fresh air---always positive, smiling, and active. She was fiercely independent and appeared to live life on her own terms. I admired her from afar and will miss her.

Emily Everett-Franco

July 8, 2016

I consider myself fortunate to have met Jocelyn Jerry, to have enjoyed her as my neighbor, and to have shared with her time and effort to enhanced the viability of the Historic Ten Broeck Triangle. She embraced the goals of the Ten Broeck Preservation League, Inc. of preserving the Triangle s architectural heritage for future generations. Lyn found pleasure in being a king and queen maker. She liked to hold in her house the meetings of the committee considering the new leaders of the neighborhood League. I will continue to admire and appreciate her vision and the energy she displayed in her quest to make the world a better place.
Like so many others in different places and circumstances, I was personally the beneficiary of Lyn's generosity and commitment to the Historic Ten Broeck Triangle. Indeed, Lyn actively supported me as President (two terms) of the Ten Broeck Triangle Preservation League, Inc. Lyn liked to cook, and in more than one occasion I was fortunate to receive a jar with delicious jam she made after collecting currants in her Adirondack property.
I share the feeling of loss and my thoughts are with Lyn's family . My heart is heavy at the loss of Lyn, but Lyn , before I join you, I will keep on soldering, following your example, while harboring deep gratitude and love and respect for you.

Dr. Manuel Alguero

July 7, 2016

My husband Jeff Jones and I first met Lyn through her husband Harold Jerry - I worked for him at the NYS Public Service Commission for years, and we enjoyed agreement on the many environmental issues that came before that agency. Jeff knew Jerry through his own Adirondack environmental work. We instantly became friends when we met Lyn, for her joie de vivre, her brilliant and penetrating insight into current political and environmental problems and possibilities, and her legendary warmth and kindness. A group of us at the PSC brought her back there for occasional brown bag lunches to reminisce about Jerry's tenure and the principles he stood for, and to discuss the day's events and everything else under the sun. These were always delightful for we who knew the Jerrys and also for young employees getting a feel for the region's political history. We owe a debt of gratitude to Lyn for her extraordinary friendship and will miss her. Warmest wishes for the family whom she loved so dearly.

Eleanor Stein

July 7, 2016

Sorry to hear of Mrs. Jerry's passing. I had her for 11th grade English (if memory serves) back in 1985--she taught me the mechanics of good writing, a lesson I've never forgotten. Definitely one of the most influential secondary teachers I had the good fortune to be a student with. I'm long gone from the Capital District and thirty years have passed since my last day at BCHS, but her teaching style (especially as it was for expository writing) has informed my own approach in the college classroom (I'm a history professor at the University of Virginia now and proudly "steal" a poorly remembered version of her paper structure guidance, complete with a diagram. So, a little piece of her gift lives on, decades later in a distant state. I'm sorry I never reached out to her to thank her.

Kirt von Daacke

July 6, 2016

On behalf of all the members of Dug Mountain Ponds Club we would like to express our condolences to the family of Lyn Jerry who passed away recently. Her friendliness, outgoing personality, hard work and love of the Adirondacks will surely be missed. We look forward to continuing the strong ties with the family into the future that we have enjoyed with Lyn for many years to come. Sincerely, Thomas R. Turcotte II, President of Dug Mountain Ponds Club

Thomas Turcotte

July 6, 2016

I was Lyn's tenant for 2 years before she died. I will always remember our neighbor, Jim Ford, taking to meet her. After visiting with her for 20 minutes I started thinking to myself, "I don't care what the rent might be, I just want to live in the same house with this person!" Subsequently, I enjoyed regular visits with her - she would always invite me upstairs for a glass of wine and then proceed to tell the best stories - Dug mountain, the Adirondacks, her children, Vladimir Nabokov, her late husband, the latest news, or the novel she was reading. My mother was also an English teacher of the same generation so there was also something familiar about some of that. Lyn had the best spirit, was so much fun and had unbelievable energy. I was in awe of how she could go up to Dug mountain in her truck all by herself for the weekend and then come home and a few days later hop on the bus to New York to see the ballet - at the age of 87 and 88!. The entire block tells the same story about her never letting anyone help her unpack her truck in between trips! She would also leave me cute little notes telling me where she was off to next and when she expected to be back. She would share her Times Union subscription by reading it first thing in the morning and then throwing it over the fence to Lucy next door. Lucy would read it and then leave it outside my door. All of that gave living here such a family feeling. I will always remember Lyn and try to emulate her joy for life and determination to live her life to the fullest. She did that exceptionally well and everyone around her was better off for it. My condolences to her family - this is the kind of loss that leaves a gaping hole in your heart. Know that she will always be with you.

Betsy Campisi

July 6, 2016

July 5, 2016

A true steward of the Adirondacks in every way, Lyn will be missed.

Richard Cipperly

July 5, 2016

Jocelyn: I'm sure your mother was a wonderful inspiration, but also her loss has left a hole in your heart. May this accomplished, strong woman rest in peace. Gerry Smith (Concord, NH)

July 4, 2016

Those of us fortunate enough to spend some of our teaching years with Lyn had a wonderful example of a teacher, colleague and friend to learn from. Lyn's dedication and caring ways with everyone endeared her to so many at BCHS. She was a wonderful role model and friend. Rest in peace Lyn.

Louise Schwarz

July 4, 2016

You will be missed by so many! RIP,

Charles & Emmaline Amadon

July 3, 2016

To the family of Jocelyn Jerry,

I meet your mother a number of years back at our Dad's reunion at the summer cottage in Plattsburgh, NY on Lake Champlain. We are related through Harold Jerry I from Plattsburgh. I remember your mother from that day as an intelligent, kind and beautiful woman whom took the time to come and visit. My dad, Daniel L. Jerry passed in 2012 so it was good to have Jocelyn be present for both their sake's to have meet her cousins family and see each other for the last time. I know the feeling of loss and my thoughts are with you all and hope soon the sorrow will be replaced with the pride of the greatness and love of Jocelyn.

It was only two weeks ago I was visiting my brother and we went to the Wild Center in Tupper Lake NY and saw that Jocelyn was a contributor to the wonderful peaceful place that resides in the Adirondacks of which I know Harold and Jocelyn fought for many years to keep protected. The Adirondack's will forever miss them both and the many lives they have touched. Peace be with you all! Glen

Glen Jerry

July 3, 2016

She was a very special strong lady.
nancy Riley

July 3, 2016

Let me start out by saying Lyn was an amazing young lady. In 1990 Lyn and her Husband Jerry both became part of my life. Lyn had called me up one afternoon and asked me to meet her and Jerry in Dug Mountain Ponds for some extra hands. I loved going into Dug Mountain Ponds as a young man at the time and helping them out with whatever they needed. After knowing Lyn for 27 years I will always have a place in my heart for her and her family. She will be greatly missed by many. I will always remember the great stories Lyn had shared with me while going into Dug Mountain Ponds. Rest in peace Lyn until we meet again. Your right hand man, Brian. XXOO

Brian Harrington

July 2, 2016

Mrs. Jerry( kids and teachers relationships seem quaintly formal now looking back at it) was my English teacher when I was in my senior year at BCSH 1971. She was one of my favorite instructors, am happy to hear that she experienced such a long and active life long after I left the area. Bless her.

Malcolm Travis

July 2, 2016

Mrs. Jerry, as we called her as students, had a huge impact on my love of literature and movies, which we used to talk about outside of class. When I finally completed my first film and showed it in Albany at The Spectrum last year, I reached out to her by phone and she immediately said she would attend - on her 89th birthday! It's hard to believe she is gone after seeming to healthy and alive. All of us who were inspired by her teaching will surely miss her.

Mark Netter

July 1, 2016

I am sorry for your loss, but what a wonderful life! Mrs. Jerry remains hands-down my favorite teacher. I think of her often more than 25 years later. . .she truly had a positive impact on the lives she touched.

Karen McSharry

July 1, 2016

I remember going to the Jerry house with my brother John when I was 12 and was in Choraliers with Philip at 16. Little did I know Lyn would become my colleague and friend. I would frequently pick her up on Fridays so Harry could get her after work and they could head to Dug Mt. Occasionally my young daughter would be in the car. She thought Lyn's name was Jerry and would ask if we were picking up Jerry that day. Lyn was a vibrant spirit. We will greatly miss her but cherish our memories.

Joanne Smith

July 1, 2016

Lynn was an incredible woman, so energetic and lively. Equally as important, she was a woman dedicated to making the world a better place, saving the Adirondacks for future generations and educating our children in the most honorable ways possible.
A true inspiration to all of us.
My sadness in "our" loss.
Connie Jensen BCHS 2007

July 1, 2016

Mrs. Jerry was a beacon for me during high school. Her teaching positively impacted my life in ways that I still benefit from today, 31 years after graduating. Her "Literature of the Future" class was truly revolutionary for me. I appreciate the excellent obituary, which is a wonderful tribute to her. There were so many dynamic aspects of her life that I was unaware of, and it was a pleasure to learn from reading the obit. My condolences to her entire family.

Elizabeth LoGiudice

July 1, 2016

I had Mrs. Jerry for American Novel Class at Bethlehem Central High School in 1985, and enjoyed her very much. I also ate lunch with her in the Teachers' lunchroom, and always enjoyed chatting with her. In addition, she taught my three oldest siblings during the 1970s, and they all enjoyed having her. I extend my condolences to her family, former faculty members at BCHS, and her many students. RIP.

Ellen Hedderman
BCHS Class of 1986.

Ellen M. Hedderman

June 30, 2016

I remember Mrs. Jerry very well, and she not only was an inspirational teacher but someone I was proud to call a friend.My sincere condolences to her family and may she forever rest in peace.

Valorie

June 30, 2016

Mrs. Jerry was an inspirational teacher and a great person. Deepest sympathy to her family.

Ben Wolin

June 30, 2016

Mrs. Jerry was the teacher who showed me the real power of literature. MY ANTONIA and THE FORTUNATE PILGRIM were two of the books that began my love affair with reading. I don't know what would have happened if she hadn't been my teacher, but I know my life is richer for having known her. I became a teacher and lifelong reader. Mrs. Jerry was a remarkable teacher, and I know she leaves behind a real legacy. I am so sorry for your loss.

Carol Kuhn

June 30, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. Words of comfort for the family at Psalms 119:50 & 76.

E. Brown

June 30, 2016

A brilliant, vibrant and fun woman, a pleasure to know. Our movie group will miss her very much.

Euthemia Matsoukas

June 30, 2016

A shining star here on earth, now in heaven! Truly a wonderful person who will be missed! Blessed to have known her! Thoughts and prayers are with you all!

Penny Pascale

June 30, 2016

Rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord my very dear friend. I will forever remember and cherish our many conversations, and the support you so freely offered me.
Roger E. Quackenbush

June 30, 2016

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