Sister Carol Kopff. OP of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died on December 18, 2022 in Siena Hall, Dominican Convent, Sparkill, New York. She was 86 years old.
Born in St. Louis, MO on April 5, 1936, Carol Jean was the daughter of Milton and Hilda Rocklage Kopff. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1956 and received the name Sister Mary Karen. Sister Carol professed first vows in 1958 and final vows in 1963.
Sister Carol received a BS in Education from St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, NY, 1961 and an MS in Science from North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 1973. She also earned a Certificate in Theology from the Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley, CA.
Sister Carol’s ministries include St. Agnes Home and School, Sparkill, NY (1958 -1961); St. Mary School, Fulton, NY (1961-1963); St. Kevin School, St. Louis, MO (1963-1968); St. Elizabeth of Hungary School, Crestwood, MO (1968-1976) and pastoral associate (1992-1998); Holy Rosary School, Monroe City, MO (1976-1979, teacher and 1979-1982, pastoral associate); Queen of Peace, Ewing, MO, pastoral associate (1982-1987); student, Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley, CA (1987-1988); pastoral associate, St. Norbert Parish, Florissant, MO (1988-1992). From 1998-2014, Sister Carol served in prison ministry at Missouri Eastern Correction Center. Sister Carol received the 2011 St. Rose of Lima Society Lifetime Achievement Award from Aquinas Institute of Theology and the 2013 Distinguished Alumna Award from Ursuline Academy for her commitment to educational, pastoral, and prison ministries.
Sister Carol was predeceased by her parents Milton and Hilda Rocklage Kopff and her brother Don. She is survived by her sister, Marilyn (Jerry) Unger brothers Dale (Donna), and Greg along with nieces and nephews; grandnieces and grandnephews.
Sister Carol Kopff was a woman who made a difference in the lives of children, parents, colleagues and those served in her educational and prison ministries. She proclaimed the congregational goal of ministry for justice and reverence for all creation for more than 65 years, reflecting the face of God to all especially the incarcerated. Her family, Dominican Sisters, Associates, and friends are grateful to God for Sister Carol’s presence. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant, Sister Carol Kopff, OP!