Obituary of Sr. Jean Ruppel

Sister Jean Ruppel (92) formerly Sister John Marie, a Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, died on June 2, 2026, at Complete Care at Saint Vincent’s, Cedar Grove, NJ. She entered the Sisters of Charity on March 6, 1953, and was a dedicated member for 73 years.

Sister Jean was born in East Orange, New Jersey, the daughter of William and Mary (Binn) Ruppel. She graduated from the College (University) of Saint Elizabeth, Morristown, NJ with a BA degree in Social Studies and a minor in Elementary Education.

Sister Jean served in the ministry of education in New Jersey for sixty-five years. She was a teacher at Holy Name School, East Orange, Saint Anne School, Jersey City, Saint Thomas School, Bloomfield, Our Lady of Lourdes, West Orange, Sacred Heart, New Brunswick, Sacred Heart, Vailsburg and Saint Peter, Belleville. Sister Jean served at Our Lady of Lourdes twice. During her second time there, Sister Jean taught until the school closed. The school reopened as Mount Carmel Guild Academy, dedicated to serving the needs of students with special needs. At this time, Sister Jean began a 16-year ministry as a Teacher Assistant and later served as a volunteer. Sister Jean moved to the Sisters of Charity motherhouse at Convent Station in 2022, but the people of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and School remained close to her heart. She maintained friendships with parishioners and co-workers until her death. Sister Jean especially enjoyed sharing pizza with friends at a popular pizza restaurant in Orange, NJ.

Sister Jean was part of the House of Prayer Experience at Convent Station and Sacred Heart, New Brunswick. The mission of this community was to share the love of God and promote spiritual renewal for individuals and families. Sister Jean also served as a staff member at Mother Seton Residence in Montclair, NJ.

Sister Jean loved to be by the water. She spent many summers volunteering at Maris Stella Retreat and Conference Center in Harvey Cedars, NJ on Long Beach Island. She cared for the flowers and assisted in any way that was needed. While living at Convent Station, Sister Jean loved taking walks with other sisters on the beautiful campus.

Sister Jean was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Mary Lou Ruppel. She is survived by her Sisters of Charity community, her cousins Paul Ruppel and Lesley Weiriech and many devoted friends.

The wake for Sister Jean Ruppel will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 9:30 AM at Holy Family Chapel, Convent Station, NJ. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 AM and will be livestreamed. Burial in Holy Family Cemetery will immediately follow the Mass. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of S. J. Priola Funeral Services, Lake Hiawatha, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sister Jean Ruppel to the Sisters of Charity Office of Legacy and Mission Advancement, P. O. Box 476, Convent Station, NJ, 07961 would be appreciated.