Sister Jean Louise Diskin (Bernardine), 97, a Sister of St. Joseph for over 80 years, entered eternal life Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Mt. St. Mary’s Convent, Marian Hall, Wichita, Kansas. She was born November 12, 1928, to Nicholas and Louise (Knott) Diskin in Fort Scott, Kansas. She and her twin sister were the last children in a family of eleven children. Her family lived in St. Paul, Kansas where she went to grade school. After her dad passed away in 1943, her family moved to South Gate, California. She and her twin sister went to high school there. After her sophomore year, Bernardine entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Wichita, August 2, 1945. She received the habit and religious name of Sr. Jean Louise March 19, 1946. Her final profession was July 26, 1951.
Sister Jean Louise was an excellent primary teacher and enjoyed her students very much. Even after 60 years of teaching, she saw her children as interesting, challenging and a continual source of growth both spiritually and mentally. She taught at 10 different schools in Kansas: six in the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, one in the Archdiocese of Kanas City and three in the Diocese of Dodge City. She taught in two different schools in California. When she retired in 2006, she returned to Mt. St. Mary’s Convent and performed various ministries at home. She also enjoyed playing a card game called “Hand and Foot” and putting together puzzles especially of lighthouses.
She was preceded in death by her parents Nicholas and Louise, her sisters, Colleen, Bernadette and Sister Ann, her brothers, Eugene, Hubert and William. She is survived by nieces and nephews and members of her Congregation.
The Homecoming and Rosary will be at 9:30 a.m. followed by The Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026. All will be at Mt. St. Mary’s Convent, 3700 E. Lincoln, Wichita, KS 67218. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Retirement Fund for the Sisters of St. Joseph or Dear Neighbor/StepStone Ministries at Mt. St. Mary’s Convent, 3700 E. Lincoln, Wichita, KS 67218.
