Oh my, I just read this and am filled with sadness and tears. Sister Jean Moore was one of the best teachers I ever had in my life! Her classes in Spanish were hard for me, and she worked with me, and when I did not focus or call things in she let me know in a kind and professional way. Such a life lesson. I was a theatre major and she always asked what I was working on and would come to the theatre, and I loved discussing the shows with her afterwards. I have a fond memory of having a beer with her at Courtyard Carni and we discussed my challenges with the upper level Spanish class I had just finished. She told me that I was the type of student that should take a trip to Spanish speaking country, right away, and I would be able to be fluent...great wise advice. I wish I had kept in touch with her but thought of her often and I so grateful that she was part of my Viterbo experience.

-Allison Hetzel, former student

I was deeply saddened to learn of Jean's death. I was a faculty member of the Franciscan Institute during the time in which she pursued her studies for the MA. Her presence created a kind of "reality check" on our work as teachers since she had so much experience to offer in class discussions, work on projects, and the constant quest for making the Franciscan vision alive for today's needs. It was a point of pride that she also joined the Franciscan Pilgrimage Program. The leaders of that program have opportunities to apply their studies with people seeking a deeper identity and capacity to live a Franciscan form of work and service. She brought all of that talent and experience to those tasks.
May her memory shine bright among us for a very long time to come.

-Margaret Carney, colleague

Being raised in the Catholic faith, I always had an image of what a nun looked like. In my mind, I always envisioned all nuns must wear their traditional habits. When I started looking for colleges, a private faith based institution was not something I was originally planning, but then I went to a college fair that Viterbo was present. From that moment, I knew I wanted to attend this university. There was a sense of belonging even through the admission process.

After being accepted to Viterbo, I was a little timid adjusting to campus life as I was coming to college for the first time with home being a little over two hours away. This first year quickly became comforting with all of the support from all the professional staff members and Resident Assistants. It was the comfort and support that I received that from everyone in this first year transition that I, myself, wanted to get involved on campus to become a Resident Assistant.

When I was hired as a Resident Assistant was around the first time I really started to get to know Sister Jean. She was the Vice President for Student Development who often was found engaged with many students and student leaders including Resident Assistants, which I was. Her interactions with all of us was caring and genuine. She was an individual that students enjoyed spending time with and had fun.

Knowing that Sister Jean was a nun, I was impressed by how she broke all the stereotypes that I had growing up as a child. She was someone who was true to the faith, but also was "hip" as an adult. As a college student, you often don't want to hang out with "the adults" as we were the emerging adults. Sister Jean was different. She was someone you wanted to hang out with and talk. Seeing how connected she was with us students, I wanted to take the connection to the next level. I wanted to celebrate her "hip-ness" with the college students and thought it would be good to give her a nickname. Thus the nickname S.J. was born. (S.J. for Sister Jean). Anytime I would see her, I was say hello S.J. She seemed to like it or at least entertained me that I enjoyed calling her S.J. From that moment on, Sister Jean was now known to me as S.J. It started to catch on.and other people were calling her S.J. as well. I don't know how long that nickname sustained, but she will always be S.J. to me.

Now that I am a Student Affairs Professional myself after being a Resident Assistant under her direction, I appreciate the level of involvement that she had with the professional staff and the student staff. As professionals move higher in their positions, they tend to not be as connected with the students as they were when they were in lower positions. S.J. was something special and made those at Viterbo special. It is her model of leadership that has helped my leadership within the field.

After graduating, I did not always get a chance to get back to campus to see S.J. as much as I would have liked to; however, the times I have been able to visit on my trips back to campus, she still welcomed me back with open arms. She is an individual who will be dearly missed but will not be forgotten.

-Scott Hendricks, former student

Sister Jean was one of my first memories of Viterbo as she taught my freshman Spanish class in the Fall of 1992. Such zest and joy for life. She inspired me to embrace the language and culture. Always a friendly hello and sincere, "how are you today?" when crossing paths on campus. A true light in this world that will not be forgotten.

-Tina (Daniels) Mueller, former student

So sorry to hear the news of Jean Moore's passing. We entered the University of Minnesota at the same time, working on our PhD's in education. Jean was a great friend and wonderful, creative colleague. She was also an inspiration in terms of her research with language and culture. I visited Jean at Viterbo on several occasions to seek her advice and the peace of her community. Jean's spirit and quiet calm demeanor will always be with us. I am blessed to have known Sister Jean Moore. RIP.

-James Dobson, friend of the family

I had the privilege of working with Sister Jean when she served as director of student development. She brought a gentle spirit, impressive intellect, and generous sense of humor to her work and relationships. As a "newbie" to work in a Catholic university, I learned a great deal from her about the wonderful spirit of Franciscanism and the Catholic tradition of social justice. Over the years, I consistently respected and admired SJ. And, she came by that respect and admiration the old-fashioned way; she earned it. I will miss her.

-Anne Ellefson, colleague

Sister Jean first introduced herself to me in front of the Murphy Center mailboxes in the summer of 1993, shortly after I was hired as the women's basketball coach. She let me know I was welcome and she was a basketball fan. At the time, I didn't know she was a Sister, I thought she was a professor...which she was. Then she was a dean, and then a vice president. Thus, her annual golf outing after final grades were submitted in May was called the "Sister, Doctor, Dean Jean Golf Outing." Such fun times were had back in the day each year. Eventually, people became too busy, or too stressed, to put together costumes for the outing, and then the attendance dropped. The fun was what S. Jean was all about. And, oh did she love golf, and she was very skilled! I often bragged to people who didn't know her, about my golf partner, the "nun."

During her time as vice president, she was my always supportive "boss," but it always just felt like she was my colleague and we were equals, because we could work together to improve things and to solve problems. There were no "power plays" with S. Jean.

When F. Tom O'Neill started the team chaplain program about 15 years ago, Jean jumped on board with our basketball team. She was the only chaplain women's basketball has ever had. I understand she was still "counseling" the team a couple weeks before she passed. In all of my 25 years at Viterbo, Jean was our true basketball fan. The win-loss record and outcomes of games were not her priority. When we won championships, she was there. When we struggled, she was there. What mattered to her was team spirit, teamwork and the character of the people involved. If there was an issue with teamwork, team spirit, or character, she was there to help solve it. This Sunday, several Sisters and I watched the V-Hawk North Star Championship game with her. She knew exactly what was happening. In the end, when the team fell a little bit short, she was disappointed, but SO proud and the message was sent to the team about how hard they fought and how proud she was of their effort. Not one thing about the outcome. A true fan cares this way.

In the last 10 years, S. Jean became a very good friend to me. At the time of her passing, S. Jean was my best friend. I hope I provided a level of friendship to her that was helpful to her in some way. And so, 27 years of wisdom, collegiality, support and friendship: an incredible blessing.

Pax et Bonum, S. Jean

-Coach "V", former basketball coach at Viterbo

Sadly I only met Sister Jean once, but in that short time she impressed me with her intelligence, wit, humor, and openness. I am devastated that I will never again be able to learn from her, but am glad I had the chance to meet and listen to this remarkable woman!

-Jodi Hilleshiem, colleague

Sister Jean loved our basketball team to the fullest extent. She always sent us messages about how proud she was of us and made sure we knew she thought we were incredible. After one game, she noticed I was frustrated with the loss and with myself and she sent me an encouraging, inspiring message that I will never forget. Sister Jean had the women's basketball team's back, we knew she was one of our biggest supporters and I will miss her sweet soul.

-Madison Lindauer, friend of the family

I learned so much from Sister Jean about cultural competence. She warned me against what she called "taco studies", that is introducing new cultural foods to dietetics students in a way that made the foods seem weird or strange, or only introducing students to stereotypical foods. I was a participant with Sr. Jean on a GATE trip to Mexico City. Her sense of humor and lighthearted approach to life added much to the experience. She has left us too soon.

-Carol Klitzke. colleague

I enjoyed watching Sr. Jean interact with students and as a team chaplain and professor. Her contagious smile and the twinkle in her eye made everyone around her feel welcome and important. She enjoyed sharing her Franciscan knowledge with so many people. Rest in peace Sr. Jean - you will be missed and we know have another angel watching over Viterbo and our alumni.

-Kathy Duerwachter, colleague

Mariellen and I have been so blessed to have known Jean and to have her as a dear friend. Jean was our tour leader when we went to Assisi in 2008. It was through Jean’s insights and teachings on Francis that we truly became true “Franciscans”. She was as smart as she was funny. If you are lucky, you may meet people in your lifetime who make your life better because of your relationship with them. Truly, those of us fortunate enough to have known Jean have had our lives blessed by her. Her influence on our lives will live on.

-Jan and Mariellen Janiszewski , colleagues

There are so many memories I will hold close to my heart that involve Sr. Jean. Her presence on this Viterbo campus will remain in so many places. Her knowledge and sharing of the heritage that makes this Franciscan University so strong will continue in part because of her. I will miss that mischievous “look”, fun-loving spirit and simply her presence. I hope you know how much you meant to so many - rest peacefully dear friend.

-Chris Sanger, colleague

There are no words really. Deepest sadness.
Sister Jean, you are truly one of Gods gifts, and the gifts you’ve given so many of us -unmatched. “Thank you” isn’t quite enough in my expression of gratitude for all that you have done. From my little family to you: may you have warmth and peace - and rest In knowing that you have made deep impact on the people of this earth that will last beyond our lifetimes. Your smile infectious, your kindness most genuine and the love for those around you most sincere. I long for one more chat, a hug, to see your smile - seeing you make my kids laugh, or to finally have that day or making jewelry with you (I’m so sorry we never did)
Rest easy my friend. We love you.

 -Linsie Clements. former student

Sister Jean had a heart of gold. I truly enjoyed watching her with the students. You could see that the students all appreciated and loved her.

-Kathy Baker

Sister Jean was a strong, empowering, beautiful, kind, caring and faithful woman. I was blessed to have her part of my life. About two weeks ago Sister Jean and I were in touch and typical Sister Jean words as we bid goodbye for that conversation....”may you sleep with the angels”.  Sister Jean, may you sleep with the angels and dance with Francis and Clare. Rest In Peace my friend. Thank you for blessing my life Sister Jean. We WILL make the trip...for you.

-Melanie Johnson, friend of the family

I never had a class with Dr. Sr. Dean Jean, but she always had a smile for me and came across as such a wonderful soul -- full of life, fun, and kindness. And her sense of humor! I am so sorry to hear that she has passed on and will miss hearing about all her travels.

-Karin Maresh, former student

I have many memories of Sister Jean from the season this year. She would always send us encouraging text messages after games, tell us we were playing well, give us advice on and off the court, and pray for us constantly. My favorite memory of her is the time I interviewed her for my VUSM class. My group was doing a presentation on hospitality and I couldn't think of a better person to choose for the interview. We talked for a hour after the interview just about the upcoming basketball season and what it was like growing up in Milwaukee/Tosa. We were from the same area and we also both went to middle school in Brookfield. It just seemed like she understood me.

The interview shows exactly who Sister Jean is.
Interview with Sister Jean
By Sister Jean and Natalia Leguizamon

How do you view hospitality?
"Hospitality is an open heart. An openness to other people, to other groups. There's an old saying to keep the fire burning. A sense of trust, open to your heart. Allowing others into a sacred space. An element to trust the other person."

How can you relate it to every day life?
"Be open to difference. Be open to people that you do not know. Those with a different life experience than you have. Being open to other people's ideas and opinions. Recognize their take on life and be open to learning from it. Learning something new for yourself to take on or learning something for yourself. Being convinced about who you are and what you’re about. Being aware of people around you. Life occurrences, nature rather than isolation based on fear, lack of trust. Be open."

How important is it to you?
"Extremely important. Francis of Assisi said were in relation to other parts of creation. Sister stars, brother fire, sister water. Recognized a relationship between himself and all of nature. Who they are, social length that they came from Being in relationship to other people can make for a much more hopeful world where we’re in this together Work together for the common good. Share our pains and our joys."

How do you think others should practice hospitality?
"On a practical level, hope that people are open to knowing who you are or that they would be open to you wanting to measure into that group. Getting to know each other. Be aware of peoples struggles. Acknowledge the presence of someone else and attend to their needs. Girl held door open for old woman at Kwik trip. People should listen to one another. In a classroom where someone is explaining their opinion on something, listen with your heart and open mind what that might mean to them and others. Open and compassionate. We don’t know what others are going through. We might make assumptions about why others act the way they do but we must realize they're acting the way they need to. We don’t know their circumstances or life experience."

Is it hard to spread hospitality to those who don't appreciate it?"
It is hard to put yourself out there and not have others appreciate it. It takes a hospital heart to understand those may not be ready to receive. Maybe they have some perception that you think you're better than you are, and they feel put down, so they ignore you. It's all based on assumption. We assume so much about each other instead of being open. The challenge is to continue to be open and hospital. You can talk with them and you can ask them if there's something about me that bothers you and you can’t accept who I am. Initiate a conversation."

Would you risk your personal well being and safety to help others?
"Not physical well being but I would help if there were some risks of potential for success. Would have to think smart about the situation, call 911. My reputation wouldn’t matter if I stood up for someone being disrespected. Honorable and respectful thing to do. Vulnerable position emotionally. Willing to take a risk to stand up for someone, especially if it was a great injustice."

From a sports perspective.
"Used to assistant coach a high school basketball team. Freshman girl very good but legally deaf. Wanted to play, how would she communicate with her teammates and interact on the court. Refs had to throw towel down.  Inclusivity and hospitality. Accommodating the needs, she has. Helped the other players realize that all of them had some sort of inability at some level. They could all recognize an area of vulnerability and seek help from each other. Became a very close team. Trusted each other."

" back in high school. Coached a little league softball team. Very competitive softball and baseball player. Really hard on the girls. I became more and more frustrated and they were just there to learn and have fun. Practice was fun and lighthearted. They started winning because they felt more relaxed. Be open to young girls just starting off in organized sports."

-Natalia Leguizamon, student

Sr. Jean had an incredibly positive and lasting impact on my life when I was both a student and a colleague at Viterbo. Sr. Jean was my Spanish teacher when I was an undergraduate student and she invited me to assist her at the Summer Spanish Immersion Camp that we held annually in Marshfield, WI. I cherish those summers with Sr. Jean and all of the students who came together to learn Spanish and how to better communicate with each other regardless of the language. When I returned to Viterbo after graduate school as a faculty member and chair of Theatre Arts at Viterbo, Sr. Jean become one of my best colleagues and close friend and spiritual advisor. During this time I chose to become an Affiliate member of the FSPAs and Sr. Jean was my spiritual director and faith mentor. In all of my interactions with Sr. Jean over the course of 30 years, I was continually impressed by the inspirational ways in which Sr. Jean lived out the values and spirit of St. Francis in her life. She was an inspiration to me as a teacher, advisor, mentor, friend, and human being who was truly dedicated to the spirit and values of Viterbo, St. Francis, and her beloved order of sisters. Go in peace, my dear friend Jean. Pax et bonum.

-Dean Yohnk, former student

Sr. Jean was such a fun person to be around, always able to make me laugh. I am so grateful that I had a chance to spend time with her at a recent event on campus. I know she was suffering, but this is such a shock. I have great memories of the Dean Jean Golf Events at the end of spring semester where we could all be silly. Sr. Jean knew how to throw a party, and she knew how to listen as well as tell great stories. She gave so much of herself to her students, and to the Viterbo community. My heart aches. I will miss you, my friend. You will continue to be loved here, despite your physical absence. Fly free into the arms of a greater love.

-Janet McLean, colleague 

My first faculty position was at Viterbo in the mid-90s and Sister Jean was my Dean. I will never forget her wise guidance and friendship and strive to be the same kind of caring leader she always was.

-Tracy Luff, colleague

Sister Jean was a friend and mentor to me. She guided me in the right direction during my time at Viterbo, was always happy and full of light. She will be missed by many people, and will remain in my heart forever.

-Former Student

Sister Jean always had a smile and a kind word. I really loved hearing her talk about the Assisi Pilgrimage and Saint Claire. She will be deeply missed.

-Sarah Bearbower, colleague

Sr. Jean came walking by our booth at Courtyard Carni where we were hosting a nerf gun zombie game. When I asked her if she'd like to play she said, "Yeah, I'll shoot the zombie!" I wish I could attach the picture I captured of her with this huge nerf gun and a big smile on her face. She always seemed up for anything. Sending her light and love. She will be so missed.

-Polly Scott, colleague

I am heart sick to hear of Jean’s passing. I was fortunate enough to be on one of her last Pilgrimages to Assisi. Such an amazing lady, I am a better person for having known her. Our loss is indeed Heaven's gain. Rest easy Sister, you will be missed.

-Mary Hemker, student

I am so grateful for the years I had working with Sr. Jean. She was someone I could always call on for help and encouragement; she generously gave of her time to share her wisdom with our students; she genuinely cared about me as a Viterbo community member and a human being. My heart is heavy today, and I send love to all those who knew and loved Sr. Jean.

-Margy Frazier, colleague

Sister Jean was a breath of fresh air. I got to know her during my early years working at Viterbo and stayed connected for over 25 years. Most memorable was our faculty trip to Mexico City back in the early 90's through the GATE program. That was my first international educational trip and she was a great guide. I will forever remember her warm hugs and glowing smile. She was a mentor to me and will be sadly missed. Go rest high on that mountain Sister Jean!

-Your friend Delayne Vogel, colleague

My favorite memory of Sr. Jean was her reaction to a student protest. Both Jean and I attended college in the 70's, a time of many student protests on university campuses. We both thought it was great that our students cared enough about an issue to stage a protest in front of Murphy. Sr. Bernyne Stark happened to walk by as we were watching the students. Bernyne's response what her usual "Tsk, Tsk, Tsk...." Both Jean and I had a difficult time not laughing out loud. Rest in Peace, my friend. You left us way too soon.

-Jo Ann Marson, colleague

As one of the newest members of the Viterbo family, I only had two encounters with Sr. Jean, and both of them made me feel like I really was a member of the family and she was my cooler, older sister.

My first encounter was a mission orientation session she led introducing me to the life and times of St. Clare. She brought Clare to life for me in a way I wouldn’t have thought possible, and I so wish I could have gotten more lessons from her about the meaning of being Franciscan.

My second and final encounter was even better. I was working on a story about Dick Record and I knew Sr. Jean and he were fast friends, so I set up an interview. I could have gotten the comments I needed for the story from her with a quick phone call, but after the mission orientation I knew any time talking with her would enhance my understanding of Viterbo. And I knew it would be entertaining and enlightening.

I was right on both counts.

In the course of our conversation, I could tell she was a spiritual seeker. In her mid-20s, she became unsatisfied with her life as a high school Spanish teacher and basketball coach with a fancy red Mitsubishi. “I was thinking, ‘Is this all there is?’ It got me thinking about what I wanted to do in life,” she told me, recalling the buildup to her decision to join the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. “It was that inner calling, that sense of what gives meaning to life.”

When Sr. Jean started her formation in 1980, it was most common for her sisters in the order to have begun their training in their teens. She came to the FSPA at age 27, having lived for a year in Spain and started a solid career in teaching. I was impressed by that. She went into the order knowing what it was like to live as an adult outside the FSPA. She walked the Franciscan path fully aware of the other paths she could take.

We got to talking about all the collaborative things Viterbo is involved in, both in the La Crosse community and beyond. I was a bit in awe of all that was going on, but to her it was just the way it should be. “We do this outreach because it’s who we are,” she told me. “We’re a ministry. Education is the empowering tool to go out and help others and make the world better.”

I only knew Sr. Jean for a matter of months, but I know she made the world a much better place.

-Randy Erickson, colleague