Age 84
Sister Mary Jayne lived an extraordinary life devoted to faith, education, service, and improving the lives of others in Chicago’s most underserved communities.
After graduating from Mercy High School in Chicago, Illinois, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in Chicago at the age of 18. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from St. Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois, and a master’s degree in education from the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois.
Initially she taught for six years at St. Patrick’s School in Janesville, Wisconsin. Then she taught at Resurrection School in Chicago for five years before becoming their principal for 11 years. Next, she ministered in pastoral care at St. James Parish in Chicago, Illinois, for four years, managing its Senior Social Care Program and assisting more than 300 elderly parishioners. After teaching at St. James Parish in Chicago, Illinois, for four years, she became the school’s principal for 11 years where she built a culture of academic achievement, faith, and community involvement. She moved to St. Malachy School in Chicago and served as their assistant principal for 11 years.
Sister Mary Jayne lived a life defined by faith, service, and profound love for children and community. Her legacy lives on in the thousands of lives she touched – the children she educated, the elderly she cared for, the families she supported, and the generations of students who will carry her lessons forward.