A mass of Christian burial was celebrated Nov. 3 at St. Aloysius Church for Carol Ann Aughenbaugh, 67. She passed away Oct. 30 at Compassionate Care Hospice. A graduate of Montclair State College, Carol began her teaching career at St. Aloysius Parochial School, her Alma Mater. In 1966, she joined the staff of James J. Ferris High School where she enthusiastically taught for 33 years until she retired in 1999. While teaching at Ferris, Carol returned to school at night for postgraduate work, earning a master of arts in 1978 and a professional diploma in school psychology in 1981 from Jersey City State College.
A beloved teacher, “Miss Augh” will be fondly remembered by her students as a math teacher, cheerleader adviser and caring mentor. Compassionate and giving, she was always there to help students with sound advice and financial assistance. Carol is also mourned by her former “Ferris Family” who speak of her as a colleague with a generous spirit and a quick wit, who was foremost a loyal friend, eager to celebrate joyous occasions and totally supportive in times of trouble or sadness. A woman of diverse interests, Carol loved to travel and looked forward to Sunday theatre matinees and to cheering for the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden during the hockey season. As cheerleader adviser, she was present at all Ferris football and basketball games and proudly entered her girls in cheerleader competitions, winning trophies for Ferris. She attended performances of the New York City Opera and Ballet companies and concerts at NJPAC with equal enthusiasm.
During her years at Ferris, Carol was an active participant in the Jersey City Education Association and remained a member of the New Jersey Retired Education Association, attending Hudson County meetings and socials until illness curtailed her activities. In retirement she was a volunteer at Christ Hospital and supported many charitable organizations. Carol’s love of family, friends and students extended to her pets. She lavished attention on her beloved dogs and sorely missed them when they passed away. As Carol’s health declined this past year, she greatly missed her active life and her days in the hospital and nursing home were difficult. On July 31, as she blew out the candles on her 67th birthday cake, her fondest wish was to be back home. Now she is at peace in her heavenly home, free of pain and suffering and enjoying a glorious reunion with her parents and dear friends Janet Balesterri, Joe Tagliareni and Bill Cure. A lifelong resident of Jersey City, Carol was the only child of the late Frederick and Mary Aughenbaugh. She is survived by her aunt and uncle, Edna and Cornelius Stanton, of Seabrook Village; her friends Noreen Feehan, Oma Mahabir, Louis DiAngelo, Anne O’Neill Kellers and a host of dear friends and former students. Although her time on earth was short, Carol lived a full life and leaves behind a legacy of service, good deeds, faithful friendships and a genuine love of life. She touched countless people and will be missed, but a treasury of fond memories will remain forever. Services arranged by the McLaughlin Funeral Home, Jersey City.