Age 80
Early in life, Sister Jeannine Toppin was drawn into the Circle of Mercy when she and her family moved into a newly developed area of Hicksville, New York, that later became Our Lady of Mercy Parish. As a high school student, she attended Our Lady of Mercy Academy and upon graduation, entered the Sisters of Mercy novitiate, which was in Syosset, New York.
After teaching grade school for several years in the Dioceses of Brooklyn and Rockville Centre, New York, in 1969, Sister Jeannine was assigned as a teacher to Our Lady of Mercy parish school in Hicksville. For more than 50 years, she taught several generations of students in her own hometown.
Fully dedicated to the ministry of education, Sister Jeannine taught mathematics and later also served as assistant principal. In addition, she applied her many talents to directing plays, concerts and creative prayer services with the school community and parish.
Sister Jeannine was known and loved as a talented teacher, mentor, colleague and friend who radiated the joy of the Gospel in her ministry and in her interactions with others. May she rest peacefully in the embrace of the God of Mercy surrounded by her family, Sisters of Mercy and many friends.