MANITOWOC – Sr. Jessica Zwarra, 91, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, died on May 25, 2025, at her family home in Longwood, Fla.
The former Virginia Lee Zwarra was born to Herbert and Lucille (Phillips) Zwarra on July 19, 1933, in Watertown, Wis.
She entered the convent in 1951 and professed her final vows in 1958.
Sr. Jessica earned a DDS from Marquette University School of Dentistry, Milwaukee, and served many years as the dentist for the sisters at Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc. While brightening teeth, she also brightened the sisters’ souls with her positive and joyful outlook.
Although Sr. Jessica lived at Holy Family Convent for the majority of her ministry, she spent six years commuting from Holy Redeemer Convent in Two Rivers.
Sr. Jessica moved to Longwood, Fla., to care for her ill parents and brother and assisted the homeless and poor in the community through her dental care.
She was a member of the prayer apostolate for the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity for the last nine years of her life.
Reflecting on her 60th jubilee, Sr. Jessica said, “Serving as a dentist for the nuns and homeless has been a challenge to make my life a joyful gift to others through the work of my hands, with a loving heart and gratitude for God’s blessings.”
Sr. Jessica is survived by the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity; a brother, Herbert “Don” Zwarra, Jr.; cousins; and other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, at Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. in the Holy Family Convent Chapel. Visitation continued on Thursday morning from 8 to 10 a.m.
The funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday, June 5, by Fr. Placid Stroik, OFM, in the Holy Family Convent Chapel in Manitowoc. Burial followed at the Holy Family Convent Cemetery.