Sister Mary Jane Newnam

Sister Mary Jane, formerly Sister Patrick Ann, was born on Feb. 10, 1930. She died on Feb. 13, 2010. She was 80 years old and had been a Sister of Providence for 62 years.

Sister Mary Jane entered the Congregation on July 21, 1948. She professed first and final vows on Jan. 23, 1951 and 1956, respectively.

She ministered as an educator for more than 40 years, beginning in 1951 at St. Andrew, Chicago. She taught in other schools in Illinois, as well as schools in California and Indiana. In 2003, she returned home to the Woods and volunteered in several ministries.

She was described as a free spirit, happy-go-lucky, and oblivious of the need for plans.