Sister Jean Scott, 1931-2013
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Born December 26, 1931, Florence, KentuckyEntered St. Walburg Monastery, September 4, 1949 Received habit, June 27, 1950 First Profession, August 24, 1951 Died March 7, 2013 |
Sister Jean Scott, OSB, was born to Aloysius C. and Shirley (Eddins) Scott in Florence, KY on December 26, 1931 and given the name Elizabeth J. at her baptism. Jean was the last of ten children, four girls and six boys, one of whom died in infancy. Having been a prep at Villa Madonna Academy, Jean became a postulant at St. Walburg Monastery on September 4, 1949. Jean began her novice year as Sister Richard on June 27, 1950. First and perpetual profession followed in 1951 and 1954; silver, golden and diamond jubilees occurred in 1976, 2001 and 2011.
As with many community members, Sr. Jean received her BA degree from Villa Madonna College, attending classes on Saturdays and summers while teaching in parish schools. She earned an M.Ed. from St. Louis University. Her small stature, happy disposition, simplicity and love of small children made her an ideal teacher for primary school children. From 1951 until 1975 Sr. Jean taught first through fourth grades in diocesan schools which then included Danville, KY. In 1975 she served as a Montessori aide and the next year attended the Montessori Institute in Washington, D.C. From 1977 to 1998 Sr. Jean taught at Villa Madonna Montessori where she made lasting friendships with children and parents.
In her retirement years Sr. Jean continued to reside at the Gate House and for a time volunteered at St. Henry Elementary where she read to first graders. She later moved to the monastery with some symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. During the past year Sr. Jean lived in the infirmary as Alzheimer’s advanced rapidly. Her life ended very peacefully at 5:50 a.m. on March 7, 2013. Surviving Sr. Jean are her sister Pat, nieces, nephews, many friends and the Benedictine community.
Vigil/Evening Prayer was held Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. and Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, March 11, 2013. Interment in St. Walburg Monastery Cemetery.