Jacqueline Jetter of Jersey City and Fort Lee was crowned Ms. New Jersey Senior America 2026 on Sunday, May 31, at Harrah’s Casino in Atlantic City. Jetter was crowned by reigning titleholder Vin Iyer, Ms. New Jersey Senior America 2025.
Jetter took the top honor after a day of competition among 12 contestants over the age of 60 in the annual event celebrating the “Age of Elegance.”
Dale Browndorf of Margate was first runner-up, Toni Mullins of Highlands was second runner-up and Suzanne Clare-LaRosa of Bayonne was third runner-up.
Women competed in talent, evening gown, interview and their philosophy of life. Contestants lit up the stage with various numbers featuring a fabulous ’50s theme. Performances were enhanced by the direction of former Ms. New Jersey Senior America Josephine Araniti, and choreographer Melanie Brough.
Entertainment also included Carolyn Slade, who has performed with the likes of Dionne Warwick, Dee Dee Warwick and Cissy Houston. Slade won the Ms. New Jersey Senior America title in 2017 and the national crown later that year.
Peggy Lee Brennan, who appeared on the hit TV show “M*A*S*H” and was in the original Broadway production of “Grease” with the late Patrick Swayze, also performed. Brennan won the national Ms. Senior America title in 2016 and often performs with her husband, Geoffrey Hastings Haberer. Local entertainer Ruben Castillo appeared as “Elvis.”
The event drew contestants from across New Jersey, with the state winner advancing to represent New Jersey at the national Ms. Senior America pageant this fall at the Tropicana in Atlantic City.
This year’s contestants were: Audrey Redding-Raines of Orange, Susan L. Martone of Toms River, Teresa Rampulla of Holmdel, Jean Morrison-Cronin of Middletown, Margo Cordes of Old Bridge, Patricia Adamson of Barnegat, Dawn Leak of Lodi, Suzanne Clare-LaRosa of Bayonne, Dale Browndorf of Margate, Dr. Mary Onwuka of Linwood, Jacqueline Jetter of Jersey City and Fort Lee, and Toni Mullins of Highlands. It was an amazing group of ladies, with talent and evening gowns that were off the charts.
Judges for the pageant were Dr. Joe Bertolino, president of Stockton University; Eric Scheffler, of the CRDA with 28 years of law enforcement and community service; Tina Hanley, performer and passionate advocate for the ALS Association (also Ms. New York Senior America 2025); Phyllis Papa, founder and artistic director of the Atlantic City Ballet, and Scott Cronick, journalist for Shore Local Newsmagazine, radio host, entrepreneur and community activist.
It took a village to bring the pageant to life with help and support coming from State Administrator Johanne Santori and State Pageant Director Terry Meade who oversaw the event; Master of Ceremonies Steve Berger, who has been with the pageant for many years and performed a great musical number, along with Johanne and Terry. Berger also provided the entertainment at the after-party.
Before the winners were revealed, a warm thank you went to National Administrators Denise and Floyd Caiazzo and Founder Al Mott, who is known for the statement, “We take women from the rocking chair to the runway.”
One of the unique aspects of the pageant is the New Jersey Cameo Club. All contestants become part of the club once they enter, creating camaraderie for life. These women perform around the state, bringing joy and comfort to people in senior citizen facilities throughout the year. Lifelong friendships are formed both on and off the stage.
Thank you all and we will see you at the nationals!
