In Memoriam: Honorable Ann T. Mikoll – Distinguished Jurist and Champion of the Kosciuszko Foundation
The Kosciuszko Foundation deeply mourns the passing of the Honorable Ann T. Mikoll, a devoted former Trustee of the Foundation and the founding force behind its Western New York Chapter.
Born in Buffalo to Polish immigrant parents, Ann Mikoll earned both her undergraduate and law degrees from the University at Buffalo. Her groundbreaking judicial career began in 1957 when she was appointed Buffalo City Court Judge at just 27 years old.
In 1971, she became the first woman elected to the New York State Supreme Court outside of New York City, later serving with distinction on the Appellate Division, Third Department, until her retirement in 1999.
Justice Mikoll’s steadfast support of the Kosciuszko Foundation was deeply personal. A recipient of a Foundation scholarship during her legal studies, she remained forever grateful and committed to its mission.
Her vision and leadership led to the establishment of the Foundation’s Western New York Chapter, which she nurtured for many years with dedication and pride. As she once reflected, “I was the recipient of scholarship help when I needed it while pursuing law studies at the University of Buffalo. And I learned of the Foundation’s work in helping students and supporting programs which brought honor to us with Polish roots.”
Justice Mikoll leaves a lasting legacy—not only as a trailblazing jurist, but as a tireless advocate for education, Polish heritage, and the values upheld by the Kosciuszko Foundation.
She was the beloved wife of the late Theodore V. Mikoll and is survived by her sister-in-law and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Stanislaus Church in Buffalo on Saturday, April 26 at 11:00 AM.
