Dorothy Baniel

Dorothy Baniel, known by friends and family as "Cioci", a former nun who went on to become an educator, passed away peacefully at Villa Marie Claire Hospice in New Jersey on October 9, 2025, at age 98. She was born in Jersey City, NJ on October 30, 1926.
Cioci entered the convent of the Daughters of Mary of the Immaculate Conception in New Britain, Connecticut, on December 7, 1947, where she took the name Sister Mary Evelyn. She went on to earn her bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. While pursuing her degrees, she faithfully balanced her studies with part-time teaching, reflecting her deep commitment to both learning and service. Throughout her many years of ministry, Sister Mary Evelyn taught at several Catholic schools in Connecticut and New Jersey, where she was deeply loved by her students and colleagues alike. Her life was marked by quiet devotion, kindness, and an unwavering dedication to her faith and vocation.
Upon leaving the convent, Cioci continued her lifelong vocation as an educator, teaching for an additional 35 years before retiring at the age of 82. She was deeply devoted to her work and found great joy in teaching, particularly middle school mathematics. Although she never married or had children of her own, she affectionately referred to her students as "her children" and throughout her life offered guidance and care to many young people she lovingly called her "special ones." In an interview with her great-niece for a Catholic Connections project, she reflected that the one word she would use to describe herself was "helpful." Following her retirement, she remained active in her faith community, volunteering at St. John the Evangelist Church in Leonia until the age of 93.
Cioci loved staying connected and was always sending handwritten letters and cards to loved ones. In fact, she was well known by the staff at the local Hallmark store. After every visit or phone call, she always told her loved ones "I will pray for you every morning".
Cioci is survived by her sister, Evelyn Sokolow, and her husband, Jerry; her nieces, Wendy Caldwell and her husband, Chris, and Susan Baniel; her nephews, Jeff Sokolow and his life partner, Maria, Benjamin Sokolow and his wife, Dixie, and Raymond Baniel and his wife, Maria; as well as many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews.
Visitation will be held at Volk Leber Funeral Home, Teaneck on October 14, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Her funeral mass will be held at St John the Evangelist in Leonia on October 15, 2025, at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to [Villa Marie Claire Hospice] https://www.holyname.org/foundation/support.aspx in memory of our Dorothy.