Sister Jeannette Marie Kneifel

On Monday, July 8, 2024, at 9:15 am God brought the earthly life of our dear Sister Jeannette to fulfillment and gave her a share in the joy of eternal life.

Sister Jeannette, (Jeannette Marie Kneifel) died peacefully at Mount Saint Francis Nursing Center where she was a resident since November 2022. In her time at the Nursing Center, it was painful for the Sisters to experience Sister Jeanette’s unspecified Alzheimer’s dementia. She loved walking, but a recent fall resulted in a broken hip which limited her mobility.

Sister Jeanette was the second oldest of four siblings, Joseph (Cheri) Kneifel, Jacqueline Kneifel and Joyce (Dale) Smith, born in Columbus, Nebraska to Carl, Jr. and Delores (Bailey) Kneifel. Her parents and infant brother John preceded her in death.

Sister Jeannette was received into our Franciscan community on August 11, 1969, professing perpetual vows on August 6, 1976. She received her BA in Sociology from Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, an MA in Social Work from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, and a PhD in Social Work from the University of Denver.

Sister Jeannette shared her ministry in Colorado and New Mexico, as a child recreational therapist and childcare worker, and as youth and pastoral minister.

In the community she served as Vocation Directress, Council Member and General Chapter delegate. She also served on Community Boards in support of our Province Sponsored Ministries.

Sister Jeannette was the foundress of Women Partnering, a network of women from diverse backgrounds responding to the unmet needs of financially vulnerable women and children in the Colorado Springs area. Sister was President and CEO of Women Partnering for 15 years.

As we bid farewell to Sister Jeannette, she will be remembered as an innovative and fun-loving person, enjoyed music playing guitar and banjo and a welcoming presence with a creative spirit.

The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Monday, July 15th, 2024, at 10:30 am in St. Francis of Assisi Church followed by burial in the Mount Saint Francis Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed in Sister Jeannette’s name to Women Partnering.

Sister Marietta Spenner, osf

Colorado Springs, Colorado