S. Jane McGowen
YANKTON, S.D. — S. Jane Mc-Gowen OSB, 83, died Ash Wednesday, March 6, 2019.
A wake service was held March 10 and the Mass of Christian Burial was March 11, both at the Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel, Yankton, with Fr. Valerian Odermann officiating. Burial was in the Sacred Heart Monastery Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Yankton.
Cecilius Jane was born during a blizzard Jan. 1, 1936, the fifth child to James and Rose (McGuirk) McGowen, Laurel. She was raised in Hartington, and received a Catholic education. As
devout Irish Catholics, her family influenced her religious vocation and independent spirit. While in high school, she worked at the local grocery store, like her older sisters before her. Being responsible was instilled into her at a young age. Jane entered Sacred Heart Monastery in August 1953. She professed first vows June 29, 1955, and final profession was June 29, 1958.
S. Jane began her healthcare ministry at Sacred Heart School of Nursing and X-ray Technology, Yankton. She always wanted to be in health care and was grateful when that became a reality, and she became a nurse, radiologic technologist and healthcare educator. She earned a nursing degree from Sacred Heart School of Nursing, a bachelor of science degree in radiology at St. Louis University and a master’s in radiologic science at the University of Cincinnati. S. Jane ministered at hospitals in Yankton and Parkston, S.D.; Canon City, Colo.; St. Louis, Mo.; Cincinnati, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; and Hampton, Va. Later in life, she spent time as a clerk for the business office at Avera Sacred Heart. She was one of the few sisters who continued working to her 60th jubilee.
S. Jane was known for her quick wit and knowledge of healthcare. Her struggles in life did not deter her from celebrating life with parties for others. She spent many hours preparing her famous fried chicken, special dessert, and decorating a splendid table at which to revel.
S. Jane is survived by her Benedictine family, and her sisters, S. Bernadette McGowen and Mary Margaret Sudbeck; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Rose Mc-Gowen; and her sisters, Catherine “Kitty” Uhrich and Helen Sudbeck.