"I just realized that my dear friend Sr. Jean is now with the angels in heaven. I knew here is a retreat when I was a novices. Her warmth spirit and friendly smile showed me the face or Jesus too. God Rests her soul. "
In loving memory of
Jean F. Mouch, M.M.S.
November 1, 1945 - January 1, 2012
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Paul and Annette (nee Cordes) Mouch. Sister Jean is a graduate of Our Lady of the Angels High School. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in chemistry from Trinity College in Washington, D.C., and Medical Degree from Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York.
After completing a post-graduate residency at St. Louis University Hospital in 1976, Sister Jean began 15 years of ministry in Africa. She worked at Holy Family Hospital in Berekum, Ghana, and then as District Medical Officer of Health for the Berekum-Jaman area. During those years, she left Africa for 18 months to complete her Master's Degree in Science in Maternal and Child Health at the University of London.
Sister Jean returned to the U.S. in 1992. She became part of the Department of Family Medicine at the Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine in New Brunswick, N.J., and completed a fellowship in health services research, focusing on community health care issues for under-served populations.
In 1997, Sister Jean began working and living in Camden, N.J., one of the poorest cities in the U.S. She became involved with projects to help its citizens through the Department of Community Health Improvement at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, and through the Learning Collaborative for a Healthier Camden. She is a member and former chair of the board of CAMConnect: Linking Communities with Information.
A member of the American Public Health Association, Sister Jean also serves as coordinator of the Camden County Cancer Coalition, implementing the N.J. Cancer Control Plan at the local and county levels. She is part of a group, Camden City Healthy Futures, that completed the first community health needs assessment of Camden since 1995.
In addition, Sister Jean is an elected member of our North American Assembly, the seven-member official governing board for the Medical Mission Sisters. She was one of the designers and facilitators of a five-year study requested by our global leadership, "Documenting Health, Healing and Wholeness." Five out of six of our Sectors participated in this first-ever study, and the results are being used around the world.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday January 6, 2012 after 9:30 AM and to participate in her Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM at the Chapel of the Medical Mission Sisters 8400 Pine Road Philadelphia, PA 19111. Interment will be in the Medical Mission Sisters Cemetery
Tributes
"I only knew Jean for a short time working together at CPAC. She was always so full of engery and exitement. When she held a meeting you just wanted to be apart of it. My office was near the conference room and you could always hear Sister Jean. She had a gift for making you feel very important when she spoke with you. She will be missed. "
"As a fellow cancer surviror and volunteer, I loved and respected Dr. Mouch's passion to help others, her warmth, and her great spirit of hope and faith. I know she is resting in glory and eager for any work Jesus has for her."
"I met Dr. Mouch some time ago at Lourdes, she was my initial advisor at UMDNJ as I prepared to complete my MPH and was one of my mentors who guided me through public health; always reminding me to never forget the grassroots people. I will remember Dr. Mouch always as a soldier for public health and a great line dancer, I look forward to dancing with her again... "
"What an inspiration and beacon of light! I have grown from Dr. Jean's nurturing, enthusiasm, knowledge, wisdom and love. I am blessed for having known and shared life with her."
"As a fellow cancer survivor we bonded for many years. What an inspiration. She fought a good fight! Victory achieved! CPAC, the community and I will miss you. "
"Jean was an inspiration to everyone she met. We first met as part of the Cancer Capacity Needs Assessment program in New Jersey. She was tireless in her efforts to improve the quality of care in Camden and surrounding areas. Her enthusiasm and can-do attitude personally inspired me to pursue my doctoral education. Words cannot describe how she will be missed for her ready smile, quick wit and devotion to help others. We can only hope to do the same. Rest easy, my friend.
"
"I met Jean two years ago. We were participating in a workshop for vocation and formation personnel. I was impressed by her joy and deep love for the Church and religious life. My prayers go to the family and of course the Medical Missionary Sisters. You may have lost a friend on earth, but you certainly have an angel in heaven!"