Grefenkamp S.S.N.D., Sister Jean Marie Baptized into the Hope of Christ’s Resurrection on Tuesday November 21, 2023. Beloved daughter of the late Mary and Bernard Grefenkamp and step daughter of the late Tom Briggs. Dearest sister of Joan Carraway, Jane (David) Teichman, Mary Rose Miller, and the late Joseph and Gregory Grefenkamp. Dear sister-in-law of Janice Grefenkamp. Our dear aunt, relative, friend, classmate, Sister in Religious Life and associates.
Visitation at the Theresa Center / Motherhouse (320 E. Ripa, St. Louis, MO 63125) Wednesday December 6, visitation 9:30 AM and sharing memories 10:45 AM until Mass of Christian burial at 11:15 AM. Interment Motherhouse Cemetery. Contributions to the School Sisters of Notre Dame appreciated. KUTIS CITY SERVICE.
To the School Sisters of Notre Dame community and Sister Jean’s family,
Sister Jean was working at Mississippi Valley Blood Bank when I met her. She was there every Saturday morning with that contagious smile when I donated platelets. I remember following her journey when she received a lung transplant. She will be missed, but I will always smile when I think of her.
I met Jean back in high school back in 1961. We have had some wonderful adventures and fun thru the years. I still remember her running in the door late to history with band uniform and trombone in hand and usually laughing her wonderful laugh. She taught me to ride a bike., We couched volleyball, we were at girl scout camp on Kennedy weekend, she was in my wedding, we went on a few cruises. But mostly we always enjoyed are almost 60+ years of friendship
She will be missed and her love will last a lifetime
I met Sister Jean through a mutual friend. Even though I’ve only known her for about a year and a half, she quickly became my “bonus mom”. When I found out she was a nun, AND road a Harley, my jaw hit the floor! Then to top it off I found out she had been an EMT and a bus driver. I also was an EMT in the early 80’s and we both worked for Abbott Ambulance in St. Louis!!
I also drove a school bus for a while!! Lol
Her laugh was contagious and she just radiated Love. She was a wise and gentle soul, and such a blessing to all who knew her. She lived her life with humility, allowing her will and her life to be put in God’s hands, asking “what would you have me do today Lord”?
In her own words about her life…
Experience I would like to share…
The beauty of all my experiences and memories can be seen in all the beautiful people I have been privileged to share life with.
Many cultures and beautiful parts of this gorgeous world have been wondrous gifts and blessings. From the students and families living in poverty and brokenness and their faithfulness to education to kids living in orphanages giving and needing love, this world is full of hope. I received a deeper faith from all these people who touched me more than they can ever imagine. Leaving one ministry and moving to another left a feeling of sadness and yet joy and hope for another part of my journey. My current ministry with people and their families waiting for lung transplants is filled with miracles and love every day. The waiting is a true test of faith and love. The gratitude to a donor and their family is overwhelming. As we walk with courage and love, the meaning of life is filled with an acute awareness of God’s love for each and every one of us.
This sums up Sister Jean’s life pretty well. But she can never be “summed up”. She deeply touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be greatly missed, but she is now in the arms of Jesus, popping wheelies and laying rubber on those streets of Gold, riding a beautiful New Harley Davidson, and God takes delight in that.
I love you Sister Jean…..until we meet again, and what a glorious reunion that will be. 🥰💕
MAY ONE OF GOD’S ANGELS REST IN PEACE.
Sister Jean you will be missed by your E.M.S. coworkers. you were a amazing person and we all loved working with you. E.M.S. would like to send our condolences to the family .
I met Sister Jean when we both worked at the City of St. Louis EMS her patients were in good hands with her
Sister Jean left this world as a better place – she positively affected many lives and will be missed by many especially by her sister Joan – prayers for Sister Jean and all her loved ones
I met Jean while working with her @ Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center she was loving and very funny person . She will be truly missed.