Jane Marrin lived her life for others.
From the clients she helped in her roles at Catholic Charities to the priests, diocesan staff and lay people she served as chancellor of the diocese and everyone in between, she woke up every morning thinking about how she could make life better for someone else.
“My mom loved in a way that felt universal — the kind of love that reached every person she met,” said Michaela LeBlanc, Jane’s daughter. “She had a rare gift of truly understanding how others felt, and she carried that understanding into action, always trying to make things better for the people around her. She led with compassion, empathy and a heart that never stopped giving.”
Jane’s 16-year-old granddaughter Lauren, who spoke at Jane’s funeral, remembered, “My Grandma has always been there — no matter the circumstance, no matter the reason — with open arms, a warm hug and unconditional love. She was never just ‘around;’ she was present in every moment, deeply involved in our lives and constantly giving pieces of her heart to the people she loved.”
And she was like that with everyone — family, friends, coworkers or clients.
“I would describe Jane as a gentle but strong person, an incredible mentor with passion for others … a new generation of leaders who are passionate about social justice have the skills because she mentored them.”
That statement from Kateri Mancini, current director of social concerns for the Diocese of St. Cloud, says volumes about Jane — who passed away unexpectedly on May 1 — and her impact on those she worked with in the diocese.
Jane began her career in the Diocese of St. Cloud in 1989 as a counselor with Catholic Charities. In 1997, at the request of Bishop John Kinney, she became director of what was then called the Pro-Life Office, changing the name to the Respect Life Office to reflect a “consistent ethic of life.” She later headed the Social Concerns Office, Planning Office and Communications Offices.
When Bishop Donald Kettler was appointed bishop of the diocese in 2013, he asked Jane to move into the position of chancellor, a position she held until her retirement in 2023.
Ron and Jane Brown were the first couple Jane worked with as an adoption counselor at Catholic Charities. The Browns fostered 100 babies through the agency before retiring in 2021, many of them with Jane’s help.
“Jane was always there for all of us — birthparents, grandparents, foster parents, adoptive parents and newborn babies,” the Browns said. “She always trusted us as foster parents to do the right thing for the baby, for the birthparents and for the adoptive parents. Without her support … It would have been impossible to be foster parents.”
After Jane moved on from being a social worker in the adoption field, the Browns kept in touch with her, describing her as more like a best friend than someone they had worked with. She had a way of making them feel loved and special, they said.
That deep sense of compassion carried into every part of her life and work.
Jane graduated from the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph where she was formed by the Benedictine values distilled from The Rule of St. Benedict — Awareness of God, Community Living, Dignity of Work, Hospitality, Justice, Listening, Moderation, Peace, Respect for Persons, Stability and Stewardship.
“Jane was steeped in Benedictine values fostered by the Sisters of Saint Benedict while she was a college student,” said Barbara Sutton, retired faculty member at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary in Collegeville. “Like the sisters, Jane too had a matriarchal role in the history of this diocese, providing vital and foundational leadership. We should never underestimate her influence.”
Jane served as both a mentor and a field supervisor for several students at the School of Theology, taking a personal interest in their vocational discernment.
“Through their example, she demonstrated the possibilities for women to serve as influential ecclesial leaders, inspiring many along the way,” Sutton added.
Sutton met Jane 27 years ago while serving as executive director of Pastoral Services for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston in West Virginia, while Jane was director of planning for the Diocese of St. Cloud. Their shared involvement in the national Conference of Pastoral Planning and Council Development strengthened their professional relationship and provided a common foundation for collaboration and growth.
After Sutton later moved to Minnesota and joined the faculty at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary, Jane invited her to consult for the planning office, continuing their longstanding partnership.
“Jane was also part of a cherished women’s group we affectionately called the Magdala group,” Sutton said. “The group gathered for a garden party annually on July 22, the Feast of Saint Mary of Magdala, honoring the first disciple. At our last meeting, Jane thoughtfully gifted each of us a commissioned portrait of Mary of Magdala, creating a lasting memory and a strong sense of the community we shared.”
Bailey Ziegler, director of Human Resources and Safe Environment Coordinator for the Diocese of St. Cloud and a fellow member of the Magdala group, was one of the Saint John’s School of Theology students directly impacted by Jane’s leadership.
Ziegler called Jane both an important mentor and a friend.
“She paved so many paths for me and so many others, especially women in this diocese,” she said. “Her belief in me has helped me get to where l am today. l’m forever grateful to have had the opportunity to have known her.”
“Jane consistently offered her very best to everyone around her,” Sutton added. “Whether sharing wisdom, responding boldly or extending genuine compassion, her presence was felt throughout the diocese, always actively engaged and attuned to the needs of parishes.”
In his homily at Jane’s funeral, Bishop Donald Kettler described her as a hopeful person, and talked about how her work gave her hope and joy.
“Jane was a strong advocate for family and for so many social justice needs and issues,” he said. “She was present in the Chancery as diocesan chancellor for all of my years as bishop here. Both clergy and lay people often sought her out because she knew how to listen to them — perhaps in some cases better than me.”
“I enjoyed every role I had within the diocese and always looked forward to coming to work,” Jane said in a 2023 story in The Central Minnesota Catholic marking her retirement. “My counseling background was one of my greatest assets in all those assignments. That, and because of my many years working [for the diocese], I developed a relationship with the priests and the lay people. Being trusted and being a listener were gifts that I believe served me well as chancellor for the diocese.”
The way she described her work helps explain why she left such a lasting impression on those who knew her.
“There are some people who leave us you never can replace,” Jane Brown said. “There will always be a hole that can’t be filled because you want more of them. She was like a sister to many, us included, because she cared so much about everyone. Her love for people was deep and sincere. Our lives were blessed because Jane played a special part in them.”
Dianne and colleagues – you have captured a great part of the essence of Jane Marrin. I know this as I know and highly respect the people interviewed. You also challenge me deeply to look beyond my too often shallow interpretations of people, situations , and events. May Jane fully enjoy union with our God, with all loved ones continuing her compassionate loving of God through the Body of Christ and all Creation!