Sister Helen Jean Brinkman, eldest FSE, dies at 97
BRIDAL VEIL, OREGON (07-05-2025) - Sister Helen Jean Brinkman, FSE, a vowed Franciscan religious woman for 77 years, entered eternal life on July 4, 2025 after a brief illness. On the day America celebrates its birth as a nation, and begins a year-long celebration of its 250 years, her death seemed like God's stamp of approval on this life-long enthusiast of American history. Sister Helen Jean's own history began on March 7, 1928 when she, Frances Catherine, and her twin Franklin John were born to parents Alois and Helen Brinkman in Edgar, Wisconsin. The twins would be the second and third of eight children. As a youth, Sister Helen Jean was active in the high school band and glee club, and in the St. John the Baptist parish choir. She continued her love of singing throughout her life, as her low alto voice resonated in parish churches and Community choir. As a young girl, she also enjoyed skating and hiking. In 1945, Sister Helen Jean entered the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, La Crosse, Wis., professing first vows in 1948 and perpetual vows in 1954. She taught in Wisconsin Catholic elementary schools in La Crosse, Lyndon Station, Menomonie, St. Mary's Ridge, and was a teacher and principal in Greenwood, Eau Claire and Stratford. In 1964 she was assigned as postulant directress at St. Rose Convent. In 1969 she was appointed superior of the Holy Trinity convent and taught history at Viterbo College until 1974. She was actively involved in the Community's program of renewal of religious life in the 1960's and early 70's and was part of a core group of Sisters who led the founding of the [...]