Sr. Jean Kennedy, CSJ

Frances Jean Kennedy was born on February 6, 1933 in Ferndale, Michigan the daughter of Leo and Martha (Durbin) Kennedy. Jean was a member of St. James in Ferndale, Michigan at the time of her entrance into the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth on July 1, 1951. She received the name Sister Jean at her reception on January 3, 1952. She pronounced first vows on January 3, 1954 and final vows on January 3, 1957.

Sister Jean graduated from St. James High School and then enrolled in Nazareth College where she went on to receive her A.B. degree in Sociology in 1966. Sister Jean spent the first 3 years of her ministry of teaching at St. John Vianney in Flint, Michigan and later at St. Gerard’s in the Lansing Diocese. In the Detroit Diocese she taught at St. Benedict, St. Veronica, St. David, St. James, St. Irenaeus as well as St. Philip Neri where she was also the Principal. At St. Athanasius in Roseville, Michigan and Saints Peter and Paul she was the Pastoral Minister and Pastoral Associate. In 1990 Sister Jean was the Resident Manager at Baraga Manor in Otsego, Michigan before returning to her ministry of Pastoral Care at St. Thomas the Apostle in Detroit, Michigan. Sister Jean’s last ministry before her retirement to Nazareth in 2011 was as a volunteer in Fraser, Michigan.

Wanting to contribute despite her failing health, Sister Jean presided at Communion Services in Fontbonne every Saturday morning as long as she was able, and always showed great interest in Community happenings. With numerous challenges limiting her energy, she encouraged others with kind words and a joyful sense of humor.

After several years of ill health and recent hospitalizations, she passed peacefully into eternity from her home at Nazareth Center.

May she live fully now in eternal light and Resurrection joy.

May She Rest in Peace!