Jean Ellen Brown

Jean Ellen Brown, 78, of Mishawaka, passed away Saturday, December 1, 2012, following a brief illness.

Jean Ellen was born April 28, 1934 in South Bend, a daughter of the late Russell and Margaret (Gooley) Brown. Her family lived in the River Park area of South Bend until moving to Mishawaka when Jean was 12 years old. She graduated from St. Monica Grade School, Mishawaka in 1948 and from Ancilla Domini (High School), Donaldson in 1952.

Jean entered the order of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ -PHJC on November 21, 1952 and professed her perpetual vows on July 16, 1960 and was known as Sister Jacinta. During this time she furthered her education receiving her Bachelors Degree from DePaul University and her Masters Degree from Indiana State University. During her years with the PHJC she taught school at St. Augustine School in Chicago, IL; St. Mark School in Gary, IN; St. John the Baptist School in Quincy, IL; St. Catherine School in Hammond, IN; and St. Henry School in Chicago, IL.

In 1972, Miss Brown was called to a new ministry and taught school at St. Vincent School in Elkhart; St. Jude School in South Bend; and spent many years at St. Monica School in Mishawaka and retired in 2008.

Jean’s life was dedicated to serving her church and school, St. Monica’s in Mishawaka. She served as Pastoral Associate Minister which included faithfully visiting and taking communion to the sick and homebound of the Parish. She also served as Sacristan and Sacramental Prep Coordinator. Jean was also Director of Religious Education.

On January 25, 2009, Jean was the first recipient of The Jean Ellen Brown Distinguished Alumni Award from St. Monica School. The mayor proclaimed the day the Miss Jean Ellen Brown Day.

Jean loved caring for her home and yard, shopping and exercising. She kept busy with many activities and especially enjoyed attending programs at the Morris in South Bend. She had a great fondness for cats.

St. Monica Parish and the Mishawaka community are a better place because of all the lives Jean has touched. She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Jean’s surviving family includes a brother and his wife, Duane “Pete” and Sharon Brown of Mishawaka; a sister-in-law, Ida Brown of Granger; nephews and a niece, Greg Brown (Sue), Peter Brown (Denita), Duanette Thompson (Dave), and Joseph Brown (Brooke); great nephews and nieces, Jeana Hahn (Troy), Thor Brown, Blake Brown, Jordan Brown, Braeden Brown, Cade Brown, Beau Brown, Jasmyn Brown and Crystal Brown; and a great-great nephew, Cael Hahn.

Jean was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Brown; and a great-great nephew, Olin Hahn.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, December 6, at 10:30 am in St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka, with Monsignor Bruce Piechocki officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.

Friends may spend time with Jean’s family Wednesday, December 5, from 2 - 7 pm in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, where the Rosary will be prayed at 7 pm. Visitation will also be Thursday from 9:30 - 10:30 am in the church.

Contributions in Jean’s memory are suggested to the St. Monica Church Sacristy Fund. Assistance with memorials is available through the funeral home.