Mother Jane Mary Firestone, beloved Religious Sister of Mercy and dedicated physician, entered Eternal Life on March 11, 2017. Mother Jane Mary was born on January 4, 1944, in Ida, Michigan. She joined the Sisters of Mercy in Detroit, where she professed her final vows on August 16, 1969. As one of the founding members of the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, MI, Mother was sent to study medicine at Michigan State University. She then practiced internal medicine for over 36 years and helped to establish what is now Sacred Heart Mercy Health Care Clinic, an apostolic work of the religious community. Mother served as Chief of Staff at Gratiot Medical (Mid-MI Health System). Mother Jane Mary was devoted to the physical and spiritual care of her patients and also mentored subsequent Sisters of Mercy who became physicians. In order to better be of service, Mother also completed a Master’s Degree in Theology from Notre Dame University.
Mother Jane Mary served on the General Council of the Religious Sisters of Mercy for many years, was novice directress, and in 2011 she was elected Vicar General. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious.
Mother Jane Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Josephine Firestone, and her sister, Susan Burns. She is survived by her brother, Rev. Thomas Firestone of the Diocese of Lansing, Mary Gianino, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The visitation will be at Our Lady of Grace Education Center, 1965 Michigan Avenue, in Alma, MI, on Monday & Tuesday, March 13 & 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Nativity of the Lord Parish, St. Mary’s Church, in Alma on Wednesday, March 15th, at 10:00 a.m., followed by the burial in DeWitt, MI, and a reception at Our Lady of Grace.
The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home of Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.