Sister Mary Jean Ann Luken

Florence Luken was born on Pentecost Sunday, May 23, 1926, the seventh child of Anna Elizabeth and Bernard Luken. She was baptized at St. Augustine Church in Covington, Kentucky, and attended St. Augustine School and Notre Dame Academy. Florence was inspired by the example of her sister Loretta (Sister Mary Josine, SND) and entered the novitiate at St. Joseph Heights on January 6, 1952, making her first profession on August 25, 1954.

Sister Mary Jean Ann was missioned to Notre Dame Academy as a school secretary and part-time teacher. Later, she served as the systems manager for the academy. Sister was then requested to assist as an accountant at St. Charles Nursing Home. Following that, she served as the business manager for 14 years at UK St. Claire in Morehead, Kentucky. She was proud to have been part of the initial group of SNDs serving at St. Claire. 

In 2004, Sister Mary Jean Ann retired to St. Joseph Heights. For over sixteen years, she volunteered at Catholic Social Services and St. Elizabeth Hospital. She also assisted the provincial secretary with large projects and daily tasks. Her keen editing and secretarial skills served her community well. Sister Mary Jean Ann moved to Lourdes Hall in 2020, where she engaged in various activities and enjoyed watching the Cincinnati Reds. Her love for baseball was widely recognized. 

Sister Mary Jean Ann Luken passed peacefully into eternity on March 2, 2025. Her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her. May she now find peace in the loving arms of our gracious God.

Sister Mary Jean Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Bernard, Elmer, and Leonard; and her sisters Loretta (Sister Mary Josine), Margaret Fry, and Mary Ann Berwanger. Sister also leaves behind beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at St. Joseph Heights. The wake service will be held at 10:45 AM, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial in the convent chapel. Interment in the convent cemetery will follow the Mass.

Memorials are requested to The Sisters of Notre Dame, Covington, Kentucky.