Obituary: Jeanne M., Concannon, Snjm
Age 86
Ever the English teacher, even in Jeanne’s frail state several months prior to her death, a nurse’s assistant asked her whether “she would care to lay down.”
Not skipping a beat, Jeanne replied, “Chickens lay eggs; humans lie down.”
Reared in a strong Catholic family in South Park, Seattle, Jeanne attended St. George School and Holy Names Academy.
Well educated for her life’s work, Jeanne earned an MA in English from Marquette University and a Ph.D. in American Literature from the University of Minnesota.
Jeanne spent her entire apostolic life in teaching, a ministry that she spoke of frequently as a true calling, never simply a job.
Her teaching assignments ranged from St. Mary’s in Medford, St. Francis in Eugene, and St. Mary’s Academy in Portland (OR) in her early years to Fort Wright College where she spent almost two decades (Spokane).
Following the closure of the college in 1982, Sr. Jeanne taught for several years at Wadhams Hall Seminary in upstate New York and then, finally, at Mt.
Angel Seminary in Oregon.
Sister Jeanne was honored for excellence in teaching as the recipient of various distinguished teaching awards at three institutions: Fort Wight College, Wadhams Hall Seminary and Mt.
Angel Seminary.
Jeanne was devastated when her faltering health necessitated her departure from the classroom.
Her most recent ministry was as “Poet in Residence” at the Convent.
Jeanne was an avid Seahawks fan and enjoyed watching the games with her brothers, especially during the team’s halcyon days when Steve Largent and Jim Zorn were Seattle stars.
In addition to her beloved religious community members, Sister Jeanne is survived by a brother, Francis (Arlene) and ten nieces and nephews: Michael, Steve, Tom, Patty, Kathy, Colleen, John, Kevin, Rick and Terry as well as several great and great-great-nieces and nephews.
Her sister Rita and brother Charlie (Sha) predeceased Jeanne.
Sister Jeanne died on July 7, 2013, in Spokane, Washington.
Mass of Resurrection will be at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 9, 2013, at Convent of the Holy Names, 2911 W. Fort George Wright Dr., Spokane, Washington.
Interment will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2013, at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Gifts in Sister Jeanne’s memory may be made to Sisters of the Holy Names Retirement Fund: Convent of the Holy Names, 2911 W. Fort Wright Dr. Spokane, WA 99224.