SINSINAWA — Sr. Jean McSweeney, OP, died June 28, 2022, at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, Wis. Her religious name was Sr. John Venard. Natural burial took place June 30 in the Motherhouse Cemetery, Sinsinawa. The funeral Mass was held at the motherhouse, Sinsinawa, July 9.
Sister Jean made her first religious profession as a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Aug 5, 1953, and her perpetual profession Aug. 5, 1956. She taught science in high schools for seven years and colleges for 21 years. Sister Jean served in administration at the college level for eight years and for the Sinsinawa Dominican congregation for six years. She loved science and was a superb teacher. Sister Jean is remembered as a scholar, visionary, and lifetime learner who shared her generous spirit in prosperous and challenging times. She served in Illinois and Wisconsin.
In the Diocese of Madison, Sister Jean served at Edgewood College, Madison, as teacher, 1964-1971 and 1975-1979; academic dean, 1979-1984; academic vice president, 1984-1985; and provost, 1985-1987. Sister Jean was prioress of the congregation for the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa from 1994 to 2000.
Sister Jean was born April 3, 1930, in Rockford, Ill., the daughter of John and Julia Elizabeth (McCann) McSweeney. Her parents; two brothers, Thomas McSweeney and Michael McSweeney; and a nephew, Timothy McSweeney, preceded her in death. She is survived by nephews and her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared life for 68 years.