Sister Jeanette McCarthy, 85, died on Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Sisters Presentation in Dubuque, IA. A funeral Mass will be held at the Sisters of the Presentation Community on Monday, April 15, 2024, at 11:00 AM with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM. There will be a luncheon followed by burial. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001.
Sister was born on the farm near Titonka, IA, on August 9, 1938, and was 2nd of 16 children to Donald and Marian (Haan) McCarthy. Later she grew up at St Benedict, IA, and attended St Benedict Catholic School until 8th grade, then on to St Cecilia’s Academy in Algona, IA. After high school, she was a legal secretary at Winkel’s law firm. In 1959, Jeanette joined the Presentation Sisters in Dubuque taking her final Vows on September 22, 1965 (initially named Sister Mary Donald for 10 years, changed to Sister Jeanette McCarthy in 1975).
Jeanette earned her BA at Clarke college and began her 40-year teaching career. She spent 6 summers at Catholic University of America in Washing, DC to earn her MA degree. Sister transitioned to Texas in the early 1990’s for 4 years yet she found she was far from home so returned to Iowa at St Patrick’s Parish in Dubuque over next 15 years. Loras college awarded her an honorary doctoral degree for doing ministry with the Hispanics of Dubuque. She was a teacher at Newman Catholic High in Mason City, IA and at St Mary’s Catholic schools in Storm Lake, IA and last 8 years at Bishop Heelan High School in Sioux City, IA. She retired in 2012, and has lived with the Sisters of the Presentation Community.
Sister Jeanette enjoyed playing the guitar, music, speaking Spanish, doing artwork, playing cards, sewing, and family genealogy. Sister was a very creative person and developed the family historical scrapbooks in 1970. She shared her many talents, energy, gifts with a youthful enthusiasm thankful spirit. She would strike up a song with great motivation and God-filled attitude. She had a delightful passion for life and people. She was able to visit and spend time in Bolivia, Argentina, Peru, Australia, New Zealand, and Iceland.
After some changes in her health over several years, she continued to stay positive and up-beat spirit.
It was through her large family that Sister shared the Catholic faith, from her oldest brother Leo down to the youngest, Sister loved the formation of her Catholic faith.
Sister Jeanette is survived by her 4 siblings, Eileen Hovelsen, Dave (Judy) McCarthy, Denise McCarthy, Al (Deb) McCarthy and many nieces, nephews, extended families. She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Marion McCarthy, and brothers and sisters, Leo McCarthy, Eugene McCarthy, Cathy Heinen, Fr John McCarthy, Bill McCarthy, Luke McCarthy, Jerry McCarthy, Fr. Pat McCarthy, Phil McCarthy, Tim McCarthy, Paula McCarthy.
oakcrestfuneralservices.com
