Sr. Jean McInerneny, IHM, age 93, died Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, surrounded by her IHM family.
Bernadette Jean McInerney was born in Chicago, Illinois, Sept. 11, 1932, to John and Bernadette (Crowley) McInerney. The McInerney children spent their early years living in Brazil, where Jean attended elementary and some high school in São Paulo. Upon returning stateside, she graduated from Saint Mary Academy, Monroe. She entered the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Monroe, in 1950 and received the religious name, Sister Jean Pierre.
For many years, Sister Jean was a well-known teacher at both Holy Redeemer High School in Detroit and Lumen Christi High School in Jackson, where she served for 20-plus years. Prior to those tenures, she taught at Holy Name in Birmingham, Holy Redeemer, St. Mary in Wayne and St. John and St. Mary in Monroe. She was versed in all subjects and delighted in her grade school students.
Beyond classroom instruction, Sister Jean contributed to student life through the direction of catechism, the formation of altar servers, the coordination of Spanish and French language study groups for students and later, the supervision of student teachers. After over 48 years of educating, Sister Jean recalled her student experiences with gratitude, noting how much she gained from them, whether in teaching academic lessons or in religious education and Vatican II teachings.
After many years residing in Jackson, Sister Jean retired to Norman Towers in Monroe, then moved to the Motherhouse in 2005. She was active on campus and volunteered as a driver and companion.
Sister Jean is survived by her sister Marie McInerney of Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and her IHM Sisters in community. She was preceded in death by her brother John, also of Massachusetts.
Services will be held at the IHM Motherhouse Chapel, 610 W. Elm Avenue, Monroe, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. Streaming begins at 10 a.m. with a Remembering and Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, 610 W. Elm Avenue, Monroe, MI 48162-7909.
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