Jubilarian – 2009
Jean Ford, SSND
(Former religious name: Gerald)
Professed in 1959
Sister Jean celebrates 50 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. She ministered as a teacher, school administrator and provincial councilor.
A meaningful time in my ministry…
My experiences in high school administration and being on the provincial council have been the most meaningful for me. Both administrative settings were collaborative with mutually enriching experiences. I especially enjoyed the organizational and planning aspects of both positions along with the opportunities for sharing with broader groups in the same ministry. I liked thinking about the future and bringing groups together to vision our future.
What drew you to the SSND Community?
In the high school I attended, there were three different religious communities of sisters teaching. I was drawn to the School Sisters of Notre Dame because they were all good, caring teachers. They exhibited a delight in their teaching along with a strong academic atmosphere from which to learn. As a group, they were nice to each other and seemed to be very happy.
What would you like people today to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
I would like people to know that SSNDs are educators in how we do our ministries. No matter what our ministry is, our stance as educator is not only to teach others but also to learn from others. We are an international congregation so we see the world with a wholistic view and we are concerned about all people and their environments.
What is your current ministry?
My current ministry for the past two years has been one of being an active patient in the health care system – whether that be in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, doctors offices or Notre Dame of Elm Grove. I’ve learned to be patient with myself and others.
Is there anything else that you would like to share?
My health has greatly improved.
Sister Jean’s missions:
St. Michael, Chicago, Ill.
St. Patrick, Menasha, Wis.
St. Leo, Milwaukee, Wis.
West Catholic High School, Grand Rapids, Mich
Columbus High School, Marshfield, Wis.
St. Mary Central High School, Menasha, Wis.
Columbus High School, Marshfield, Wis.
Mount Mary College, Milwaukee, Wis.
Thomas More High School, Milwaukee, Wis.
SSND Provincial Offices, Elm Grove, Wis.
SSND Residence, Milwaukee, Wis.
How to Reach Jubilarians
Cards and letters may be addressed to:
Sister's name c/o SSND Jubilarians, Provincial Offices, 13105 Watertown Plank Road, Elm Grove, WI 53122-2291.
If you would like to honor sister with a tribute gift, please click HERE.