Jean Zmolek

Jean ( Mary Anne) Zmolek was born to Anton and Hilda (Benda) Zmolek on May 20th, 1930, on a farm near Clutier, Iowa. Her baptismal name was Mary Anne. She attended grade school at York No.3 and high school at Notre Dame Academy in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1948, she entered the School Sisters de Notre Dame. At that time, she was given a new name, Jean, and she kept that name for the remainder of her life.

Jean treasured the 20 years she spent in the convent as music director and always felt enormous gratitude to the Notre Dame Sisters. As music director, she conducted numerous music performances, gave individual lessons and composed and published many sacred pieces.

After her time in the convent, Jean moved to Salt Lake City where she worked as Career Counselor at the University of Utah. She loved helping students decide what they might do to make the most of their life. Often her work was with the athletes, many of whom she said could not imagine a career outside of the football field. And, as an extra bonus, she went to many football games with prize seats. She volunteered at St. Joseph’s Villa, and was always happy that her music could make a difference for the elderly who lived there.

Jean’s work at Utah ended abruptly when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. Soon after successful treatment, she moved to Grandview Acres in Iowa to help care of her Mother. In 2018, Jean went to live with her sister Camille Stoeckinger in Henderson, Nevada. After a long illness, she passed peacefully on June 18 with her family at her side.

Preceding her in death were her parents Hilda and Anton Zmolek, her sister, Sr. Monica O.S.F. her brothers Ladd, Anthony, John. She is survived by her sisters, Camille Stoeckinger, Henderson NV., Carla Hanson, Clermont, IA., Conni Zmolek, Bellevue, WA., Roberta Mock, Bellevue, WA., Veronica Zmolek, Salem, OR., Michaela (Jim) Thomas, S. Burlington, VT.

The family is grateful for the care she received from Infinity Hospice and the weekly visits from St. Peter’s Eucharist Minister. Jean will be remembered for her deep faith, her generosity to others, the music she shared and the many rosettes she made for friends and family!