Sister Ann Laforest (1933-2024)

Sister Ann Laforest of the Carmelite Monastery in Beacon died July 12 at Ozanam Hall of Queens Nursing Home in Bayside, where she had been a resident since 2019.

Sister Ann Laforest
Sister Ann Laforest

Sister Ann of Jesus (Antoinette Laforest) was born June 19, 1933, in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Alfred and Eva (Dent) Laforest. She attended St. Teresa’s grade school and spent a year at Holy Angels Academy in Fort Lee, New Jersey.

After graduating from St. Cecelia’s High School, Sister Ann worked in the offices of The Times Herald. She entered the Carmelite Monastery in Saranac Lake in 1954 and made her profession of vows in 1956.

Sister Ann earned a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Empire State College, where she studied music and was a member of several singing groups. In 1968 she spent a year in Africa on the Carmelite missions. Sister Ann also spent several years studying scripture, theology, ethics, psychology and pastoral care at Boston College and Boston University, where she earned a master’s degree in sacred theology.

During that time, she received certification as director of religious education in the Boston Archdiocese. She assisted in directing adult education programs in Catholic parishes and worked as an assistant teacher in a Montessori school. Sister loved working with children and was a live-in nanny while living in Boston.

When Sister Ann returned to the community, she immersed herself, describing herself as a “full-time volunteer.” Sister Ann has been a caring friend to many throughout her life. She especially sought ways to better the lives of those suffering from injustice and discrimination.

Sister Ann was devoted to St. Thérèse and studied her life and writings in depth. Her book Thérèse of Lisieux: The Way to Love was published in 2000.

Her siblings, Aubin, Stephen, William and Frances Kieffer, died earlier. She is survived by her sisters, Mary Alciere, Virginia Uliana (Al) and Celeste Fatora.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in the Monastery Chapel on July 19, followed by interment at St. Joachim Cemetery.

Brother Douglas Soik (1948-2024)

Brother Douglas Soik, 76, of the Capuchin Franciscans in Beacon, died July 15 of cancer.

Brother Douglas Soik
Brother Douglas Soik

He was born Feb. 13, 1948, in Alpena, Michigan, the son of Jerome Soik and Celia Haske. After graduating from Alpena High School, he entered the U.S. Navy, earning the National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal and a Vietnam Campaign Medal. He received an honorable discharge on April 26, 1971.

Brother Douglas began his life with the Capuchin Franciscans in September 1973 at St. Lawrence Seminary in Beacon. After completing his novitiate, he made his First Profession of Vows in 1975 and made his Perpetual Profession of Vows in 1979. He earned a degree in sociology from Ramapo College of New Jersey.

Brother Douglas was committed to social work. While working with Catholic Charities, he received an award from the NAACP for promoting civil rights. He was also devoted to the Secular Franciscan Order and enjoyed gardening and working outdoors.

Six of his siblings — Jerry, Connie, Mark, Karen, Norbert and Gordon — died earlier. He is survived by his sisters, Eunice Scott (Richard), Lucy McCabe (Ron) and Bernice Soik.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at the friary on July 19, followed by interment in the friary cemetery.

Carlos Wilson (1939-2024)

Carlos Rafael Wilson, 84, a resident of Beacon since 1992 and formerly of Tarrytown and the Bronx, died July 7 at Phelps Memorial Hospital in Sleepy Hollow.

Carlos Wilson
Carlos Wilson

He was born July 30, 1939 in Quisqueya, a province of San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican Republic, and was the son of Carlos Teofilo Wilson and Elsa Harrigan.

Carlos enjoyed all aspects of life, whether it was listening to music or his love for baseball and running, his family said. He was a masterful storyteller who entertained friends and family with tales of youth, expected and unexpected adventures, and life’s lessons along the way.

An employee of Collins Building Services, he worked at Pace University in White Plains for 35 years. He previously worked as an assembly-line welder for 20 years at General Motors in North Tarrytown.

On Dec. 12, 1972, he married Luz Vanessa Florez in the Bronx. After 51 years of marriage, he is survived by his wife, who continues to reside in Beacon.

Along with his wife of 51 years, he is survived by his children, Tania Wilson of Beacon; Yesenia Wilson Mitchell of Kearny, New Jersey; Larksmy Wilson of Wappinger Falls; and Carlos Wilson of Oakland, California. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jamiere, Roberto and Jasiyah.

Calling hours will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Thursday (July 25) at the McHoul Funeral Home, 1089 Main St., in Fishkill. A funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. on July 26 at Salem Tabernacle, 7 Delavan Ave., in Beacon, followed by interment at Fishkill Rural Cemetery.

Behind The Story

Type: Obituary

Obituary: Reports the death of an individual, providing an account of the person’s life including their achievements, any controversies in which they were involved, and reminiscences by people who knew them.

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