Sister Jane Funch, SNDdeN

January 22, 1931 – May 10, 2026

Livestream of Mass and memorial.

“All will go well as I put all my hope in the Lord, all my trust in my God.
It is God’s work, not mine.” (Letter 283, St. Julie Billiart, Foundress of the SNDdeN)

Carl and Lauretta (Wess) Funch welcomed their third child and second daughter on January 22, 1931. Jane Frances Funch was baptized nine days later at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in North Avondale, Cincinnati. Two formative influences shaped Jane’s early life: the Franciscan priests and Sisters in her parish and her 12 years as a student at Mount Notre Dame Academy. During high school, she and her classmates volunteered during the summers helping the Sisters at an inner-city school. Jane discovered great joy in helping the children develop their gifts and skills and envision better futures. Inspired by this ministry, she entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur on July 26, 1949, at age 18. When Jane entered the Novitiate, she received the name Sister Teresa Marie in honor of her aunt who was a Franciscan. In 1969, Jane returned to using her baptismal name.

After Jane made her First Profession of Vows in 1952, she was missioned to teach third grade at Holy Angels School in Dayton, Ohio. Thus began a 42-year ministry in Catholic schools, during which she taught every grade except 1st and 2nd, and also served as principal. Jane spent seven of those years in Columbus and 35 years in parish schools in Dayton.

As schools departmentalized, Jane specialized in math and science, earning her BS in Education from the University of Dayton and later her MS in Education from Xavier University in Cincinnati. She also became a certified school counselor. One former student recalled how Jane related to her students. “Sister Jane always had a word of encouragement. She was interested in what I was up to and what I planned to do after high school. Sometimes I thought she was more interested in my future than I was. She was a very warm and generous person.”

The 1960s and 1970s brought sweeping changes in society, education, and the Church after Vatican II. Jane remained current through numerous workshops and courses, updating her theology and pedagogy, always striving to offer students the best possible education. She also participated in parish and diocesan committees on curriculum, school planning, and interracial relationships.

After 17 years in Dayton, Jane was missioned to St. Aloysius School in Columbus to serve as eighth grade teacher and principal. She introduced continuous-progress programming into the school and contributed to both parish and diocesan education boards. These were the early days of parish school closings, a phenomenon soon to accelerate. Various circumstances led to the closing of St. Aloysisus School, a heart-wrenching experience for all involved: principal, staff, parish priest, parents, and children. It was uniquely difficult for religious Sisters who had dedicated their lives to Catholic education. Jane oversaw the closure with great courage, compassion, and administrative skill. At the end of the school year, she returned to Dayton.

Rather than take some time to recuperate from the stress, Jane was ready for a new challenge. School closings and consolidations were also happening in Dayton. As a result, Dayton Catholic Middle School was created and would serve a predominately African American population. Jane accepted the challenge to launch this new school but had little time to enjoy its success. Closings and consolidations continued. Within two years, additional schools were brought together to create Dayton Catholic Elementary School which would integrate diverse student populations. Because of her experience and adaptability, Jane was seen as the ideal principal for this new venture. She brought her love for the students and experience of working with parents from different backgrounds and created a welcoming, supportive educational environment where all the students could excel. After seven years, Jane was ready for a change. She was then missioned to be the principal of St. Helen Parish School where she had served previously. Nine years later, she concluded 42 years of continuous service in Catholic elementary schools. The Municipality of Riverside, Ohio, a Dayton suburb, proclaimed May 24, 1994, “Sister Jane Funch Day,” honoring her for 35 years of ministry at St. Helen’s and in the broader Dayton community.

After serving in other cities for 42 years, Jane happily returned to Cincinnati. Being in closer proximity to her family, she enjoyed both spending time with individuals and family gatherings. In addition, new ministries were awaiting her. Over the next 22 years, she continued to meet emerging needs with enthusiasm and dedication.

Jane was asked to serve as treasurer for the Mount Notre Dame community. Her love of the Sisters, mathematical skills and experience balancing school budgets, combined with her willingness to learn computer skills, made her perfect for the role. Having mastered computer technology early on, she became the Province Internet Coordinator, teaching Sisters and staff essential digital skills. When Julie Hall was renovated for independent living for active sisters and for guest accommodations, Jane helped oversee all maintenance, hospitality, and room reservations. Her decisiveness and hands-on support made her indispensable. These ministries also involved Jane with the Ohio Unit Finance Committee, many Ohio Unit Assembly Planning Committees, and in meetings that brought together Intranet Coordinators from around the Notre Dame world for ongoing training. Though her skills remained sharp, declining eyesight and hearing loss led to her retirement in 2016. 

Even in retirement, Jane remained active – serving on boards and Province committees and contributing to the community in various ways, including cooking and baking. During COVID, she spent hours on the phone, bringing cheer to the Sisters who were confined to their rooms in the Health Center. Jane was an expert at numerous types of needlework and filled the MND Gift Shop with a steady supply of attractive creations. When vision loss made close work impossible, she figured out how to knit baby blankets by counting stitches. With diminished eyesight, Jane also found great joy in audio programs and cheering for the Cincinnati Bengals and Reds.

A very prayerful woman, Jane participated in community prayer through her presence. She double-checked to make sure she heard prayer intentions correctly.  Perhaps the largest cross of her last years was her growing dependence on those around her for the simplest tasks.  Often seen sitting peacefully in the Cuvilly lounge, Jane would smile when asked how she was. She would say, “God’s ways are best. God’s timing is best. God always knows what we need. God is so good.”

As her Sisters, loved ones and friends gather to celebrate her life so generously lived, we pray in thanksgiving for Jane and for the many ways she made God’s goodness known to others. We ask her continued prayers for each of us. We rejoice with her as she enters new life with her good God. In faith, we know that she is living the words of the prophet Isaiah 29:18-19:

On that day the deaf shall hear the words of the scroll; and out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see. The lowly shall again find joy in the Lord, the poorest rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

Carol Wetli SNDdeN – May 12, 2026