DEAR EDITOR:

On behalf of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, we join with the rest of the community in mourning the passing of Sister Jerome Corcoran. Sister’s commitment to educating children, particularly inner-city young children, will continue to positively impact our community for generations.

At the Mill Creek Community Center and through the establishment of the school that bears her name, Sister Jerome raised both the level of learning and the children’s expectations. In an amazing demonstration of commitment to the community at the young age of 96, she established Sister Jerome’s Poor to help families, provide professional mentorship and prepare young people, many with disabilities, to lead productive lives.

The Jewish community has long recognized Sister Jerome for her leadership and dedication. She was honored by the Anti-Defamation League as a Woman of the Year and regularly attended the local annual B’nai B’rith Guardian of the Menorah award events to celebrate with many Jewish community leaders and award recipients who were engaged in her programs. Sister Jerome was a force of nature to whom one could never say no.

May her incredible memory always be for a blessing.

SUSAN SCHWEBEL EPSTEIN

President, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation

ANDREW LIPKIN

CEO, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation

NANCY BURNETT

Chair, Jewish Community Relations Council Advisory Board

BONNIE DEUTSCH BURDMAN

Executive Director, Community Relations

Youngstown Area Jewish Federation