Cor Unum Award
Associated Alumnae and Alumni of the Sacred Heart
Jane Shannon Cannon
Thirty-three years ago, Jane Cannon was my eighth grade Latin teacher whose phrases and conjugations are still
imbedded in my brain. As a teenager, I was struck by her grace and intellect, her quiet strength and deep, abiding faith.
Since I began working at the Academy in 1993, Jane has become a highly respected mentor, colleague and friend. Over
and over, I hear her say “yes” to anything that is asked of her and to clearly see what is needed, and in her gracious,
humble way, just do it. Her simple motto, “Get the food on the table and the words on the page,” describes her nonofficial role as writer-in-residence and party planner extraordinaire.
Jane’s mother, Virginia Shannon, likely had to enforce few rules. However, she did insist that Jane be educated by the
RSCJ at Maryville in St. Louis, as she had been. From her first day, Jane understood, finding it a place filled with grace.
The 1957 yearbook proclaimed about the Student Council President, “All Maryville has loved Jane for she has led us
with gentleness and inspired us by her example.”
Her example inspires to this day. If Cor Unum means One Heart, then Jane exudes the love that flows from that heart. She
suffuses everything with grace and a gentle spirit of service, whether baking cookies for alums making Phonathon calls
from school, delivering food regularly to a retired employee, devoting time to her parish, or giving tours of Philippine’s
first home in America to visitors. Sister Maureen Glavin, Head of the Academy of the Sacred Heart, calls her, “the
incarnation of Philippine Duchesne on this campus in this day. Her activity is permeated with Presence … Christ’s
Presence.”
Jane’s presence has been felt since 1969, when she and her husband, Dick, moved to St. Charles and she began working
at the Academy where their four daughters attended. Through various positions, one thing has remained constant: her
love for the Academy and for sharing our story. She is the quintessential expert on Philippine Duchesne. Her keynote
from the 2009 Los Angeles conference became a favorite on the Sacred Heart circuit. As her crowning achievement, she
is researching and writing the Academy’s history in preparation for the 2018 bicentennial of the founding of the first
Sacred Heart school in America.
With all Jane gives to Sacred Heart, she gives hundredfold to her family: Dick, her husband of 53 years, their four
daughters, Angie, Cindy, Carol and Erin (all here today), and eight grandchildren. We are indebted to them for sharing
Jane with us and we join them to honor an extraordinary wife, mother and grandmother. We marvel at her abilities –
writing cookbooks, penning plays – and wonder how she finds time for all the little things. From hand-sewn clothing
and knit Christmas stockings to dozens of dainty cookies, a surprise on feast days or a special birthday treat, so many
have been the grateful recipients of her gifts from the heart.
Jane inspires with her grace, loyalty and love. She is the glue that connects our alums and so beautifully embodies all that
is Sacred Heart. Writes one alumna, “She knows how to fill a room with love and has taught all of us how to create it
and pass it on.” Jane is a radiant example of steadfast, selfless love. St. Philippine Duchesne said of St. Charles, “My
heart will abide here.” How providential that Jane’s heart does, too!
Lisa Tebbe
Omaha, April 13, 2013