By Maria Foss | On Mission
BAY SETTLEMENT, WI – Sister Jeanne Vander Bloomen, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross, died on Sunday, July 19, at the age of 88. She held Bishop Fulton Sheen’s words, “Life is worth living,” as her motto throughout her life.
Sister Jeanne was born on August 27, 1937, to Geneva (Van Vonderen) and Omer W. Vander Bloomen. She graduated from St. Boniface Grade School, Nicolet (now West De Pere) High School and St. Norbert College.
In 1959, Sister Jeanne entered the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross. She enjoyed each area of ministry which she worked in, including teaching, missionary work, serving as a pastoral associate and community secretary, caring for her parents, and serving the community. She celebrated her 65th jubilee in 2024.
In addition to making people laugh with her jokes and stories, Sister Jeanne was a professionally trained clown who went by the name “Jenni O” and loved to entertain people of all ages. She loved the color purple, music, tap dancing, sports, and playing cards, and she was a “wanna-be” piano player.
Sister Jeanne is survived by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross and Associates; her nieces, nephews, relatives, wonderful first cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Omer; sisters Caroline Smet and Rose Marie Smith; sisters-in-law Helen Peters and Judy Blechel and brothers-in-law Gerald Smet and Robert Smith.
She wanted these words to be included in her obituary: “Bye… life is worth living… till we meet again… Alleluia!”
Visitation will take place at Holy Cross Church, 3009 Bay Settlement Road, Green Bay on Thursday, August 6 from 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. The Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. followed by burial at the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross Cemetery.
The Sisters of St. Francis and the family of Sister Jeanne wish to express their gratitude to the nursing staff at St. Francis Convent and the staff at Serenity Springs Senior Living Center (formerly Grancare) and Moments Hospice in Green Bay for their loving care and support.