This oral history interview with Sister John Mary Lane was conducted by Roberta Watts at Marylhurst University in Marylhurst, Oregon, from April 17 to June 6, 1978. Norma Peters was also present. The interview was conducted in two sessions, and the collection includes a transcript.

In the first interview session, conducted on April 17, 1978, Lane discusses her family background and early life in Spokane, Washington, including her early influences and her education. She then talks about her involvement with the Sisters of the Holy Names and about why she chose to become a nun, and describes her spiritual philosophy. She discusses the ways in which the Catholic Church has become more progressive; describes life in a convent; and talks about the role of women in the church.

In the second interview session, conducted on June 6, 1978, Lane revisits the topic of her family background and early life in Spokane, Washington. She also revisits the topic of her involvement with the Sisters of the Holy Names and why she chose to become a nun. She talks about the reasons that fewer women were joining convents at the time of the interview in 1978. She then revisits the topic of life in a convent. She talks about her career as a professor, particularly at Marylhurst University, and discusses stereotypes about nuns. She closes the interview by talking about her plans for the future.