Sister Jeanne F. (Chabanel) Fielding, BVM
Sister Jeanne F. (Chabanel) Fielding, BVM, 97, died Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, at Caritas Center, Dubuque, Iowa.
Visitation, the Sharing of Memories and Mass of Christian Burial were on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019. Burial was in the Mount Carmel cemetery.
Sister Jeanne was born on Sept. 5, 1921, in Milwaukee to Frank and Estelle Fielding Sheeran. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1948, from St. Clare Parish, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She professed first vows on Aug. 15, 1951, and final vows on Aug. 15. 1956.
Sister Jeanne was an elementary teacher in Emmetsburg, Iowa; Chicago; Maywood, Ill.; and Hempstead, N.Y. She worked as a salesperson and an office clerk in Hempstead, N.Y., and as a secretary in Chicago.
“Despite the many difficulties Jeanne faced in her young life, she became a spiritual seeker in her adult years. She sought knowledge, truth, and justice. She was strong in her convictions, perspectives, and beliefs. ‘I was thinking of happiness,’ Jeanne wrote. ‘Real happiness comes from love (and) love is a virtue (that) gives us a share in the life of God. So each time we bring happiness into another person’s life, we give them a share in the life of God.’ This is what Jeanne strived to do in her own unique manner.” (Eulogy)
She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by cousins; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 70 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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I was taught by Sister Jeanne at St. Ferdinand’s in Chicago in 1951, when I was in first grade. We remained in contact until her death this past Saturday, August 24. When I was in the upper grades at St. Ferdinand I would help her set up her classroom. I attended high school across the street from St. Ferdinand’s and would stop by and visit Sister Jeanne. She really cared about us as students… she often referred to us as “honey’ and “sweetie” and did not make any difference how old we were she still referred to us a “honey” and “sweetie.” She was gentle but firm. She taught us the love of Jesus and Mary. She was deeply proud of being a BVM. In later years I would visit her at Wright Hall and eventually at Dubuque. I was honored to attend her 70 th. Jubilee last September at Mt Carmel. We never argued but she would shower me with all of her writings and I know she thought that I was a bit too liberal but she always respected me and always had unconditionally care for me. She called me regularly.. I have wonderful memories of Sister Mary Chabanel, as we knew her at St. Ferdinand’s. Sister knew my mother well and recruited my mom as a driver for the Sisters at St. Ferdinand’s. I am so pleased that we remained friends over all these years. I am a better man because she shared her love of the Church and our Catholic faith with me. God bless you Sister Jeanne Fielding, BVM – I know you were delighted to meet Jesus and Mary face to face and to be reunited with your parents on August 24. Rest In Peace!