Sister Catherine Jean Hayen, BVM
Sister Catherine Jean “C. Jean” Hayen, BVM died Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, at Caritas Center in Dubuque, Iowa. She was 78.
Funeral services were Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.
She was born on Sept. 2, 1942, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Joseph T. and Mildred (Weis) Hayen. She entered the BVM congregation July 31, 1960, from St. Patrick Parish, Cedar Rapids. She professed first vows on Feb. 2, 1963, and final vows on July 14, 1968.
Sister C. Jean was an elementary teacher at St. Anthony in Dubuque, Iowa, and St. Patrick in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She served as an administrator at Visitation Convent, a resident services coordinator for the Dubuque Housing Initiative, a wellness low vision staff member, and an activities aide at Mount Carmel; and a T’ai Chi Chih teacher at the Roberta Kuhn Center, all in Dubuque. She also taught in Davenport, Iowa, and Cicero, Ill.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Linda Bain and brothers-in-law Harold McCoy and Bill Davis. She is survived by sisters Mary McCoy, Joanne “Joni” Davis, and Margaret (Alan) Fuller, all from Cedar Rapids; a brother William (Marcia), West Des Moines, Iowa; nieces; nephews; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 60 years.
Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or make an online gift.
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She was my Sister sister and I was her only brother. We had many great times together over the last 72 years. One thing that some of the BVMs may remember is when I stopped by a convent somewhere in Iowa where ever she was stationed. I would call ahead and ask about how many Dairy Queen treats to buy. Then we would have a pajama party in the convent living room.
Sr. Catherine Jean taught 2 of our children at St. Anthony’s. They still speak highly of her as one of their best teachers. She was an enthusiastic member of the Music Medley class and I appreciated her support. She even managed to attend our last class via Zoom! Sr. Catherine Jean was one of the most caring, gracious people I’ve ever been fortunate to know. We will all miss her.
Judi was my best friend in elementary and high school at St. Patrick’s in Cedar Rapids. We spent a lot of time together including sleep overs. Her Mom helped us sew matching p.j.’s I always strived to be on the honor role because of her example.
There were so many good memories then and now. She will always be remembered for her goodness and kindness.
I was fortunate to work with C. Jean in the Roberta Kuhn Center. She eagerly awaited the brochure each summer and was usually enrolled in more than one class as a student. When she found the time in her life, she approached me about offering T’ai Chi classes in our program. Along with learning the fundamentals of T’ai Chi, her students were always warmly welcomed to our campus and many friendships resulted. Thank you for your genuine interest in and concern for others Jean. The Roberta Kuhn Center community and I will miss you!
Judi was a kind, gentle, caring little girl who grew into a giant of a woman of concern, compassion, and justice. Judi and I were classmates at St. Pat’s in Cedar Rapids from first grade through high school. She was in our Camp Fire group and finished the highest rank. She was at daily Mass and often sang when needed. She not only was attentive to her classmates, but to their families. May she rest in peace.
Sr. Catherine Jean was my science teacher at St. Paul’s in Davenport, Iowa. She is the reason I went into biology as a career. She brought such a love of science and learning to everything she did. I think she was thrilled to have a female student so interested in science. I used to stop by and see her after I went on to high school to show her what I was doing for science fair that year. She will be dearly missed.