In Memoriam: Sister Jeanne Atkinson, SC

“Sister Jeanne was known for her cheerful smile, friendliness, and sense of humor.”

Sister Jeanne Atkinson (Joan) was born on November 20, 1932 in New York City. She and her brother Robert were the only children of Robert and Jean McKittrick Atkinson. Joan attended P.S. 152, P.S. 52 Junior High School, and Blessed Sacrament High School in Manhattan before entering the Sisters of Charity of New York on September 8, 1950. Sister Jeanne earned her BA in Math from the College of Mount Saint Vincent and an MLS in Library Science from Saint John University.

Sister Jeanne’s early ministry was in Elementary Education. She served at Saint Gabriel School and Saint Athanasius School in the Bronx; Saint John the Evangelist School and Incarnation School in Manhattan, and Saint John the Evangelist School in Center Moriches, Long Island. Her love of reading and her desire to spread this love to others inspired her to enter the field of library science.

In 1979 she began her ministry as a librarian at Elizabeth Seton Junior College, New York City Campus, and then served at St. Paul School in Harlem. Sister Jeanne went on to serve as Director of the Medical Library at Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center in the Bronx. She later held the position of librarian in the Nursing Department of the College of Mount Saint Vincent, Manhattan Campus. Sister Jeanne then served as librarian at Blessed Sacrament/Saint Gabriel High School, New Rochelle, and Saint John Chrysostom School in the Bronx, where she also tutored students. In 1996 Sister Jeanne participated in a Career Options Program run by Calvary and Our Lady of Mercy Hospitals in the Bronx. This program introduced its participants to opportunities for ministry in the field of health care. Sister Jeanne believed the program qualified its participants for many services.

Sister Jeanne retired to the Convent of Mount Saint Vincent in 2011 where she became known for her cheerful smile, friendliness, and sense of humor. We rejoice with her now as she enters into the loving presence of her God whom she served so well.