Sister Jo Ann Fellin, OSB, 89, a Benedictine sister of Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison, Kan., died on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, at the monastery. The vigil service will be Friday, Nov. 24, at 7 p.m. in the monastery chapel, and the Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated there Saturday, Nov. 25, at 10:30 a.m.
Sister Jo Ann was born in Marshfield, Mo., the youngest of three children. After finishing high school in Springfield, Mo., she attended Mount St. Scholastica College in Atchison, Kansas. In 1956 she entered the Mount Benedictines and then earned her M.A. and PhD. from the University of Illinois, Urbana, Ill. She taught mathematics at Mount St. Scholastica (later Benedictine) College for 40 years. In her religious community, she served on the community council, senate, formation team, and numerous committees. In honor of her Aunt Mary, she established the Fellin Lecture series to bring noteworthy women speakers to Benedictine College. In addition, she received many awards, including the Benedictine College Distinguished Educator award and both the Kappa Mu Epsilon Distinguished Member and Distinguished Service awards. She also produced an extensive body of presentations and articles on various aspects of mathematics.
Sister Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Peo Fellin and Anna Millie Sperandio. She is survived by her brother Phillip and sister Rose Marie, nieces and nephews, and her monastic family. Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
