MANITOWOC, WI — Sr. Jean Phillipson, a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity, died Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Holy Family Convent in Manitowoc. Sr. Jean was known for several roles in music ministry across the country and the state of Wisconsin, as well as service in hospitals.
Sr. Jean was born March 20, 1926, to Harry F. and Eva C. (Fonow) Phillipson. Her home parish was Blessed Sacrament Parish in Wintersville, Ohio.
She professed final vows in 1958. Sr. Jean ministered as a teacher at St. Boniface Catholic School, Manitowoc, and St. John Catholic School, Antigo, both in Wisconsin; St. Agnes Catholic School, Mingo Junction, and St. Sylvester Catholic School, Woodsfield, both in Ohio.
Sr. Jean also earned a bachelor of arts degree from Holy Family College, Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
She tutored at St. Nicholas Catholic School, Zanesville, Ohio, and helped with various tasks at Good Samaritan Medical Center, Zanesville. For several years, Sr. Jean lived at St. Francis Convent, Manitowoc, where she was a member of the community’s Prayer Apostolate and helped with tasks as she was able.
Since 2014, Sr. Jean had been a member of St. Rita Health Center.
Sr. Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Eva (Fonow) Phillipson; brother, Robert Phillipson; and sisters (brothers-in-law), Barbara Phillipson, Shirley (Charles) Huscroft, and (Robert) Koran.
She is survived by Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity; sister, Ruth Koran; sister-in-law, Mary Frances Phillipson; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The funeral Mass was held at Holy Family Convent with burial to follow at Holy Family Convent Cemetery on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. Fr. Placid Stroik, OFM, was the main celebrant.