Sister Mary Jean Clare Lamping was born Joan Catherine into the loving family of Joseph and Mary (Peter) Lamping on August 16, 1933, in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was the youngest of four daughters. Early on, Joan developed a sense of patience and compassion for her family and those around her. After graduating from St. Agnes Elementary School, Cincinnati, Ohio, she attended Regina High School in Norwood, Ohio for two years. With the encouragement of her oldest sister, Sister Mary Thaddeus, SND and urged by her strong calling to religious life, she entered the Sisters of Notre Dame aspirant school in Covington, Kentucky in her junior year. As a senior, Joan entered the Sisters of Notre Dame on February 2, 1951 and pronounced her first vows on August 25, 1953.
Continuing her education, she majored in biology and mathematics at Villa Madonna College (Thomas More University). Although Sister Jean Clare began her ministry teaching elementary and high school students, she is most remembered and loved for her ministry in healthcare as a physical therapist. To prepare for this new role, she studied at the Mayo Clinic, qualifying to join the staff of the new St. Charles Care Center in Fort Wright, Kentucky (St. Charles Community).
Sister Jean Clare was at St. Charles for 8 years until she was called to minister at St. Claire Regional Medical Center in Morehead, Kentucky (St. Clare HealthCare) where she worked for over 19 years. She then returned to Northern Kentucky as the Director of Physical Therapy at St. Charles Care Center and later joined the team at St. Elizabeth Home Therapy Department.
Sister Jean Clare also found great joy leading RCIA at St. Therese Parish in Southgate, Kentucky.
After over 67 years of religious ministry in education and healthcare, Sister Jean Clare retired to the Sisters of Notre Dame Lourdes Hall Care Center. There she enjoyed corresponding with family and friends. Sister Jean Clare was a woman of prayer who cherished her community, family, friends, and everyone she inspired each day.
Sister Mary Jean Clare went home to God very peacefully on January 2, 2021. She is preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Sister M. Thaddeus, SND and Betty Graessle. She is survived by her dear sister, Marian Biele, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Due to the healthcare restrictions on gatherings, the private Wake and Mass of Christian Burial will took place at the St. Joseph Heights chapel on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.