S. Jane McGowen, OSB

S. Jane McGowen OSB, age 83, died on Ash Wednesday, March 6, 2019. A wake service will be held at 7:00 PM, on Sunday, March 10, 2019 and the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, on Monday, March 11, both at the Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel in Yankton, South Dakota with Fr. Valerian Odermann officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Monastery Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton. Cecilius Jane was born during a blizzard January 1, 1936, the fifth child to James and Rose (McGuirk) McGowen of Laurel, Nebraska. She was raised in Hartington, Nebraska and received a Catholic education. As devout Irish Catholics, her family influenced her religious vocation and independent spirit. While in high school, she worked at the local grocery store, like her older sisters before her. Being responsible was instilled into her at a young age. Jane entered Sacred Heart Monastery in August 1953. She professed first vows on June 29, 1955 and final profession on June 29, 1958. S. Jane began her health care ministry at Sacred Heart School of Nursing and X-ray Technology in Yankton. She always wanted to be in health care and was grateful when that became a reality, and she became a nurse, radiologic technologist and health care educator. She earned a nursing degree from Sacred Heart School of Nursing, a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiology at St. Louis University and a Masters in Radiologic Science at the University of Cincinnati. S. Jane ministered at hospitals in Yankton and Parkston, South Dakota, Canon City, Colorado, St. Louis, Missouri, Cincinnati, Ohio, Des Moines, Iowa and Hampton, Virginia. Later in life she spent time as a clerk for the business office at Avera Sacred Heart. She was one of the few sisters who continued working to her 60th jubilee. S. Jane was known for her quick wit and knowledge of health care. Her struggles in life did not deter her from celebrating life with parties for others. She spent many hours preparing her famous fried chicken, special desserts, and decorating a splendid table at which to revel. S. Jane is survived by her Benedictine family and her sisters, S. Bernadette McGowen, Mary Margaret Sudbeck and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents James and Rose McGowen and her sisters Catherine (Kitty) Uhrich and Helen Sudbeck. To send an online message to the family, please visit www.wintzrayfuneralhome.com.