Age 93
Sister Jean Burns had a keen sense of humor, a kind and patient nature, and a love of the seashore.
An elementary school teacher for eight years, she taught secondary school math and religion for 24 years at Little Flower, St. Hubert, and Archbishop Prendergast High Schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Merion Mercy Academy, in Merion, Pennsylvania, where she also served as vice-principal for four years.
Sher had a bachelor’s degree in English history from Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania, and a master’s degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. She ministered as the registrar for Gwynedd Mercy College in Gwynedd, Pennsylvania and later served as a faculty member and chair of the Humanities Department. In her later years, Jean served in various ministries at Walsingham Academy and St. Bede Parish in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Jean made connections wherever she went. She loved living in community. She enjoyed playing cards in retirement and had a table outside her room at McAuley Convent in Merion, Pennsylvania, where she welcomed others to join her in a game of cards.