Sister Mary Jeanne Moenk, SND(Formerly Sister Mary Bede)March 31, 1946 – December 30, 2025Professed August 16, 1967
Born on March 31, 1946, to Jean and Rita (Remay) Moenk, Jeanne spent her early years in Cleveland, Ohio. When she was five years old, the family moved to Karlsruhe, West Germany, where Mr. Moenk was an army historian. Jeanne had learned how to read and write before entering kindergarten. This advantage allowed her to enroll in a German Catholic school when she was in 4th grade; studies included Latin, French, and English in addition to music, science, math, art, and history.
In 1959, the family moved to Williamsburg, Virginia. Two girls and a boy completed the family circle. At the Academy of Our Lady of Walsingham, Jeanne’s aptitude for math and science was apparent. She enjoyed English literature and had a talent for music. “I have wanted to teach since I started school,” she wrote in her autobiography. She considered religious life, and at Notre Dame College in South Euclid, Ohio, the way became more clear to her. Her great-aunt, Sr. Mary Patricius Moetk, was stationed there, and Sister Madeline Columbro, professor of music, became a friend and spiritual guide. Jeanne was remarkable in her ability to tutor fellow students; she could explain a concept and apply it in many different ways. She saw this as a gift that could help others. On February 2, 1964, Jeanne became a postulant. At investment, she chose the name Sister Mary Bede, in honor of St. Bede Parish in Williamsburg.
Sister Jeanne received her B.A. degree from Notre Dame College in 1968. She earned a master’s in theology through the Notre Dame Institute, and a master’s in math at John Carroll University, University Heights, OH. Sister Jeanne spent 26 years as a high school teacher of math, music, computer, and religion. Three years of ministry were spent at Notre Dame Academy, Chardon, OH, and 23 years at Regina High School in South Euclid, OH. Students credit her “immeasurable impact” upon them: she expanded math and computer courses, so graduates would be prepared for careers in math, science, engineering, technology, or medical related fields.
Notre Dame College in South Euclid, OH was her next place of ministry. With a Ph.D. from Central Michigan University, MI, Sister Jeanne served as an Assistant Professor and then Associate Professor of Mathematics from 1995-2019. Creative and innovative, Sister Jeanne formatted classes for students with learning differences, fashioning various tactile devices to teach geometry to a student who is blind. Upon her retirement in 2020, Sister Jeanne was granted the status of Professor Emerita.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Mary Jeanne will be celebrated on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Sisters of Notre Dame Center, 13000 Auburn Road, Chardon. It will be live-streamed here. Visitation will be from 9:30 until Mass begins.
To make a donation in memory of Sister Mary Jeanne, please click here.
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