Adrian Dominican Sister Marie Bride (Therese Rita) Walsh, 100, died Sept. 26 in Adrian, Michigan.

Born in Chicago, she was in the 81st year of her religious profession.

Sister Marie Bride spent 67 years ministering in elementary and secondary education in Michigan, Florida, California and Illinois.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at Aquinas High School (1945-1951) and Regina Dominican High School, Wilmette (1976-2007).

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Estelle (Mary Cabrini) Wiltz, 93, died Oct. 21 in Hazel Green, Wisconsin.

Born in Peoria, Sister Estelle made her first religious profession in 1947 and her perpetual profession in 1950. She was a teacher, principal, support staff member, institutional buyer, pastoral minister and assistant prioress at Trinity Convent, River Forest. She served in Illinois, Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Estelle taught at Epiphany (1947-1954) and St. Thomas More (1967-1969). She served as assistant prioress at Trinity Convent (1995-1998).

Sister of St. Casimir Lucille Ann Bandyk, 87, died Oct. 23 in Lemont.

Born in the Brighton Park neighborhood of Chicago, she graduated from Immaculate Conception School (44th Street) and St. Casimir Academy. After entering the Sisters of St. Casimir in 1949, she made her first profession of vows in 1952 and her perpetual vows in 1957.

Sister Lucille Ann ministered in education for 41 years in both the junior high and high school levels, primarily in the Archdiocese of Chicago. After teaching third and fourth grade at St. George (Bridgeport) (1952-1953), she taught junior high at St. Pius X, Stickney (1959-1960; 1961-1962); St. Norbert, Northbrook (1960-1961); St. Bartholomew, Waukegan (1962-1963); St. Anthony, Cicero (1963-1965); and Sts. Peter and Paul (West Pullman) (1965-1967). She also taught in schools in New Mexico, Michigan and Minnesota.

She ministered at Maria High School from 1969 to 2009, teaching social studies and U.S. history, along with serving as dean of students, moderator of the Father’s Club and secretary.

Recently, Sister Lucille Ann participated in the ministry of prayer and presence at Franciscan Village in Lemont.

Deacon Gary Long, 86, died Oct. 9. He was ordained in 1999.

He served at St. Mary, Buffalo Grove, until retiring and moving to Florida with his wife, Jere, in 2019.

In addition to his wife, Deacon Long is survived by two daughters, Jennifer and Julie.

Sister of St. Casimir Delphine Grigas, 104, died Oct 11.

Born in Pennsylvania, she entered the Sisters of St. Casimir in 1938. She made her first profession of vows in 1941 and made her final vows in 1946. 

For 35 years, Sister Delphine taught children in grades one through eight in eight different states.  In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Delphine taught at Immaculate Conception (44th Street, 1940-1942; 1955-1956); St. Anthony (1953-1955); St. Norbert, Northbrook (1964-1967); and St. Pius X, Stickney (1974-1975). She served at St. Bartholomew in Waukegan from 1983 to 1984 and as a teacher’s aide and tutor at St. Norbert from 1984 to 1990. She also taught in elementary schools in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland, Florida, California, Rhode Island and New Mexico. 

Sister Delphine then ministered at Holy Cross Hospital in pastoral care from 1975 to 1983. 

Sister Delphine retired in 2004 and most recently participated in the ministry of prayer and presence at Franciscan Village in Lemont.

Viatorian Father James F. Fanale, 77, died unexpectedly on Oct. 13 in St. Anne, Illinois.

Born in Springfield, Illinois, Father Fanale pronounced his first vows in 1961 and was ordained in 1969 in Springfield.

He held both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English literature from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and a doctorate in medieval English literature from the University of Illinois.

He taught high school and college and worked on post-graduate studies before beginning work on the history of the Viatorians in the Chicago Province (1990-1996), and taught part time at DePaul University (1990-1992). His last assignment came in 1996, when he was assigned as pastor of St. Anne Church in St. Anne. He retired in 2019 but continued to live in the community.

He is survived by his brothers Michael and Thomas Fanale and his sister Trudi Fanale.

Providence Sister Dorothy (Irene Therese) Drobis, 88, died Oct. 15.

Born in Chicago, she entered the Sisters of Providence in 1952 and professed final vows in 1959.

Of her 68 years as a Sister of Providence, she ministered as teacher for 40 years in schools in Indiana, Illinois, Oklahoma and North Carolina. After retiring from teaching, she coordinated the memorial program at Misericordia Home in Chicago for five years. In 2000, she returned to the motherhouse and served her sisters as coordinator of health care transportation.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Sylvester (1970-1973), St. Andrew (1973-1976), Maternity BVM (1976-1984) and St. Mark (1984-1994) and ministered at Misericordia Home (1995-2000).

BVM Sister Barbara Jean (Jean Vincent) Tascher, 85, died Oct. 15 in Dubuque, Iowa.

Born in Chicago, she entered the Sisters of Charity BVM in 1952. She professed first vows in 1955 and final vows in 1960.

Sister Barbara Jean was an elementary teacher at St. Vincent in Chicago and St. Mary in DeKalb, Illinois. She also taught or ministered in Kansas City, Missouri; Phoenix; Santa Ana, Burbank, Orange and North Hollywood, California.

She is survived by a brother, Vincent Tascher, and sisters Carol Klenke and Mary Louise Tascher.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Michelle Germanson, 76, died Oct. 21. She served as president of Trinity High School, River Forest, from 1992 to 2018 and was the school’s first president.

Sister Michelle entered the Sinsinawa Dominicans in 1965. Her first role at Trinity was as a member of the school’s first Board of Directors, beginning in 1990. That board made the unanimous decision to remain a single-gender girls’ high school under the Sinsinawa corporation. After careful study of the president/principal model, Sister Michelle, then dean of students at Rosary College (now Dominican University), was offered the presidency role at Trinity in 1992.

Sister Michelle was a tireless champion for the school, working with the board to develop a strategy and prioritize goals. She was determined to elevate academics, build spirit and engage community.

Under her leadership, Trinity became the first Catholic high school in Illinois to adopt the International Baccalaureate program in 1994 and adopted a full block schedule in 1995. The school also upgraded technology and engaged in a capital campaign to build what would become the Sister Michelle Germanson Athletic Facility in 2003. The school later added a health and fitness center to the facility.

Throughout her tenure, she partnered with four principals, 14 board chairs and 27 boards.

“She was devoted to Trinity and held the students and her Sinsinawa family in the highest regard as she worked daily to fulfill the mission,” said current Trinity president, Laura Curley. “Her efforts were dedicated to educating and empowering young women to learn and grow to be their best. She continued to be an inspiration of faith, study, prayer, warmth and laughter. We convey our deep gratitude for her contributions to this amazing school. Forever, her spirit will continue to inspire generations of our Trinity family and friends. She made a holy difference and with profound gratitude, we wish her the fullness of peace.”

Father Donald J. Fenske, 88, died Oct. 12. He was pastor emeritus of the former Our Lady of Knock Parish, now the Our Lady of Knock Worship Site of Jesus, Shepherd of Souls Parish, in Calumet City.

Born in Chicago, Father Fenske attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary before being ordained in 1958.

He served at St. Bartholomew; St. Pascal; St. Raymond de Penafort, Mount Prospect; St. Beatrice Parish, Schiller Park; and Our Lady of Hope, Rosemont, before becoming pastor of Our Lady of Knock, where he served until 2002.

Father Pat Lyons met Father Fenske more than 20 years ago when he arrived as associate pastor of Our Lady of Knock.

“He will be remembered for his kindness, quiet side and his sense of humor,” Lyons said.

Sister of St. Agnes Sister Mary Dennis (Mary Therese) McMahon, 92, died Sept. 22 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

Born in Chicago, she graduated from Immaculate Conception High School, Elmhurst, then entered St. Agnes Convent, Fond du Lac. She was in her 72nd year of her religious life.

Sister Mary Dennis ministered as an elementary-grade teacher and was principal both in grade and high schools in Illinois, Indiana, New York and Wisconsin for over 50 years.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Mary Dennis served at St. Nicholas, Evanston (1951-1956, 1969-75), St. Zachary, Des Plaines (1963-1969), St. Joseph (Orleans Street) (1988-1992) and St. Thomas of Canterbury (1992-2001).

Sister of Christian Charity Helen (Elizabeth) Kron, 91, died Oct. 5 at Sacred Heart Convent, Wilmette, Illinois. 

Born in Chicago, she entered the novitiate and was given the name Sister Helen in 1948 and made her first vows in 1950.

She served at schools in Michigan, Missouri, Illinois and Minnesota before returning to Wilmette in 1977. At Mallinckrodt College, she served as registrar and then administrative secretary. In 1980, she served at Josephinum High School as the office clerk.

In 1981, Sister Helen moved to Sacred Heart Convent in Wilmette, serving as portress for three years and then supervising the housekeeping staff until 2017.

Benedictine Sister Mary Ann (Veronica) O’Ryan, 78, died Oct. 5 at St. Scholastica Monastery.

Sister Mary Ann grew up in St. Symphorosa Parish and attended Mount Assisi High School in Lemont before entering St. Scholastica Monastery in 1960. She made her first vows in 1962, while studying at Mundelein College.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Mary Ann taught in parish schools at Queen of All Saints (1963-1964; 1970-1973), St. Hilary (1964-1965; 1973-1974; principal 1974-1980), St. Scholastica Academy (dean of students 1980-1982, 1998-2012), Children of Peace (1994-1998).

Sister Mary Ann taught Western civilization, U.S. history, world history and gender history (1988-1991, 1993-1994)  at Loyola University Chicago. She also taught in Colorado.

She served for four years as prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago beginning in 1982 and as treasurer of the community since 2012. She also was  president of Illinois Treasurers of Religious Institutes.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Helen (Marie Clara) Martin, 93, died Oct. 9 in Hazel Green, Wisconsin.

Born in Illinois, Sister Helen made her first religious profession in 1947 and her perpetual profession in 1950.

She was a teacher, principal and community leader who ministered in Wisconsin, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Minnesota, Alabama and Washington.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Helen taught at St. Thomas the Apostle (1957-1958) and Westside Education Center (2001-2003). She served as principal at Sts. Faith, Hope and Charity, Winnetka (1969-1976); as vicaress provincial of the Southeast Province for the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation (1968-1972); and prioress of Divine Providence Convent, Des Plaines (2004-2007).

Sister of St. Joseph-Third Order of St. Francis Claire Gonsowski, 90, died Oct. 13.

Sister Claire was born in Chicago and attended St. Fidelis Parish. She was in religious life for 72 years.

She was a teacher and principal at schools in Illinois and Indiana, a chaplain at Loyola University Medical Center and a caregiver for the elderly and children.

She is survived by her siblings Dolores, Lillian and Frank.

Deacon James “Larry” Conway Sr., 86, died Sept. 22. He was ordained in 1987 and served at St. Barnabas Parish.

Deacon Conway enjoyed working behind the scenes, said Father James Donovan, St. Barnabas pastor.

“You didn’t really know everything he was doing until he wasn’t there,” Donovan said.

Deacon Conway brought Communion to and visited people in nursing homes and was an avid Cubs fan, Donovan said.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jeanne; his children Mary Gilroy, Kathy White, Kevin Michael Conway and Carolyn Roberson; 15 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Colleen Schramm and Kathy Maryniak.

Deacon Michael J. Principe, 94, died Sept. 26. He was ordained in 1978 and served at St. Gertrude, Franklin Park, and at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Bensenville, in the Diocese of Joliet.

Deacon Principe was a native of Franklin Park and an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II.

He was predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Annmarie, and three of his children. He is survived by his daughter Meghan Principe and three grandchildren.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Patricia “Patt” (Charissa) Smith, 92, died Sept. 2 at the Sinsinawa motherhouse.

Born in Chicago, she made her first religious profession in 1950 and her perpetual profession in 1953.

Sister Patt was a teacher, catechist, provincial councillor, campus minister, dean of students, pastoral associate and director of ministry development. She served in Illinois, Wisconsin, New York, Minnesota, Texas and Arizona, as well as Bolivia and Italy.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Patt taught at Immaculate Conception, Waukegan (1950-1953) and Visitation High School (1972-1976). She served the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa Congregation as provincial councillor of the Southeast Province while living in Chicago (1972-1976) and was a campus minister at Rosary College (now Dominican University), River Forest (1979-1981). Sr. Patt served as dean of students at Rosary College Graduate School of Fine Arts at Villa Schifanoia, Florence, Italy (1981-1983).

Mercy Sister Margaret Mary Knittel, 80, died Sept. 8.

Born in Chicago, she attended Catholic schools, graduating from Nazareth High School in 1957. She entered the Sisters of Mercy at the age of 22.

She taught at Mother McAuley High School, where Sister Sue Sanders, leader of the West Midwest Community, remembers having her as a teacher.

“For me, as a high school freshman, Sister Margaret Mary was a dynamic, energetic and renowned mathematics teacher. An excellent writer, yes, but she was also a poet, whimsical and profound. Margaret’s mind was breath-taking to behold.”

She also taught in Ottawa and was associate director of religious education for the Diocese of Rockford before becoming director of operations at ACTA/Life in Christ in Chicago.

She was personnel director at Saint Xavier College (now University) from 1980 to 1987, before earning a Master of Divinity degree. She then served as director of religious education at St. Mary Parish in Chicago.

She was a grant consultant at Presence Mercy Medical Center for 15 years, and then, after retiring from full-time ministry, she served her community.

Divine Word Father Felix Eckerman, 100, died in Techny on Sept. 13. He was the oldest Divine Word Missionary in North America.

A pioneering missionary in India for more than half a century, Father Eckerman was the last surviving member of one of the largest ordination classes in Techny history.

Born in Colorado and raised in Akron, Ohio, he enrolled in the Divine Word Seminary in Girard, Pennsylvania, at age 14, and continued his formation at St. Mary’s Seminary (now Techny Towers Conference and Retreat Center). He was ordained to the priesthood in 1947.

Father Eckerman became a priest the same day that India became a country. He arrived in India the following year, and ministered there for 51 years, visiting villages on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, serving as novice master and then as seminary rector.

In 1999, Father Eckerman returned to the United States and served five years as chaplain to the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters in St. Louis before retiring to Techny in 2006.

He is survived by three sisters: Dominican Sister Irene Eckerman, Mary Kay Goodley and Terry Falter.

Sister of St. Joseph Leyla P. Cerda-Sanchez, 60, died Sept. 14 at the Congregation of St. Joseph Center in La Grange Park.

Born in Nicaragua, she immigrated to the United States with her brother in the 1970s to pursue her education. The rest of her family also immigrated to the United States and settled in New Orleans.

She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille in New Orleans in 1996 and professed final vows in 2000.

She ministered in Catholic immigration legal and social services and as a chaplain in university ministry at Loyola University in New Orleans and at Taller de Jose, Chicago; St. Joseph Press and TEACH, La Grange Park; and St. Barbara Parish, Brookfield.

Sister Leyla is survived by her sisters Regina Cerda Guidry and Soledad Cerda Guidry and her brothers Enrique F. Cerda and Carlos M. Cerda.

Deacon Edmund J. Gronkiewicz, 81, died Sept. 2. He served at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish.

Deacon Gronkiewicz was born and grew up on the Southwest Side. He attended St. Casimir School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary and Loyola University Chicago, and he received his bachelor’s, master’s and law degrees all within four years of each other. A polyglot, Edmund was fluent in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, French, Russian and Polish.

In addition to serving as a deacon, he was active in the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, the Order of Sts. Maurice and Lazarus and the Constantinian Order of St. George. He was a life member and former legal counsel of the Polish Museum of America and a 49-year member of the Chicago Society of the Polish National Alliance.

Deacon Gronkiewicz had been a probate and estate planning lawyer for 55 years.

Adrian Dominican Sister Barbara (Gerald Cecilia) Gass, 93, died March 23 in Adrian, Michigan.

Born in Michigan, she was in the 75th year of her religious life.

Sister Barbara ministered in education in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Florida, and in the office of her congregation in Michigan. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught music at Queen of Angels School (1946-1948).

She is survived by her sister, Sister Mary Louise Gass.

Adrian Dominican Sister Carolyn (Angelita) Nelson, 87, died April 13 in Adrian, Michigan.

Born in Chicago, she was in the 67th year of her religious life.

Sister Carolyn ministered in education and congregation administration and as a pastoral associate in Illinois, Iowa and Michigan.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Mary, Star of the Sea (1952, 1963-1965) and was provincial administrator for the St. Dominic Province, Hometown (1975-1979).

Adrian Dominican Sister Pauline (Rose Angeline) Richter, 86, died May 18 in Adrian, Michigan.

Born in New Mexico, she was in the 66th year of her religious life.

Sister Pauline ministered in Illinois, Michigan and New Mexico.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at Ascension, Harvey (1957-1960); Regina Dominican High School, Wilmette (1964-1965); Aquinas High School (1965-1966); Our Lady of Good Counsel (1966-1968); and Our Lady of Loretto, Hometown (1968-1970).

She is survived by sisters Maxine Garcia, Norma Stoll, Georgia Kincaid, Mary Antonette Kropog and Sheryl Warden.

Adrian Dominican Sister Margaret (Thomas Owen) Mehigan, 93, died May 19 in Adrian, Michigan.

Born in Chicago, she attended Academy of Our Lady High School before entering religious life 74 years ago.

She ministered in Michigan, New Mexico, Arizona, Iowa, Puerto Rico, Florida, California and Illinois.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Clare of Montefalco (1955-1957); taught and was guidance director at Aquinas High School (1957-1966); was guidance director at Mother of Sorrows, Blue Island (1971-1974); was provincial administrator for St. Dominic Province, Hometown (1979-1981); did clinical pastoral education at Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge (1982); was chapter prioress for the Midwest Dominican Chapter, Hometown (1982-1985); and provided pastoral care at Ravenswood Hospital (1998-2001).

Springfield Dominican Sister M. Jeanine (Catherine Patricia) McGinley, 99, died Aug. 17 in Springfield, Illinois.

Born in Chicago, she was baptized at St. Clement Parish. She joined the Dominicans at the age of 16, and in 1938 professed her vows at Sacred Heart Convent, Springfield.

Sister M. Jeanine gave almost her entire teaching ministry to kindergarten and primary school children in Illinois. She taught in Springfield, East Moline, Elgin and Chicago, including at Our Lady of Grace School.

School Sister of St. Francis Georgia (Virginia) Brost, 93, died Aug. 21 in Milwaukee.

Born in Wisconsin, she was received into the School Sisters of St. Francis in 1946 and made final vows in 1954.

Sister Georgia ministered in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin for more than seven decades. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at Blessed Agnes (1951-1952), St. Cyprian, River Grove (1956-1959) and St. Catherine Laboure, Glenview (1964-1966). 

Sister Georgia is survived by three brothers: Father Frederick Brost, David Brost and John Brost; and three sisters: Janice Brost, Patricia Nickley and Donna Tamasaki.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Baptist Stohrer, 93, died Aug. 31 in Hazel Green, Wisconsin.

Born in Urbana, Sister Baptist made her first religious profession in 1947 and her perpetual profession in 1950.

She primarily taught music in elementary and high schools for 20 years before beginning a 40-year tenure in music at Rosary College/Dominican University, River Forest. She served in Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and South Dakota.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Baptist taught at St. Cajetan (1947) and taught music at Rosary College/Dominican University, River Forest (1972-2013). She served as university ministry liturgist at Dominican University (2013-2014).

Jesuit Father Paul V. Mankowski, 66, died Sept. 3 in Evanston due to a brain hemorrhage.

Born in Indiana, he earned a degree in classics and philosophy from the University of Chicago before entering the Society of Jesus in 1976. He was ordained in 1987 and he professed final vows in 2012.

His other degrees included a master’s in classics from Oxford University, a Master of Divinity and a licentiate in sacred theology from Weston Jesuit School of Theology, and a doctorate in comparative Semitic philology from Harvard University.

Father Mankowski taught at Xavier University (1983-1984) and was a professor of Old Testament languages at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome (1994-2009). He also taught at Graham School of General Studies at the University of Chicago (2010-2011).  Father Mankowski spent a year as acting pastor of Sacred Heart Church English Language Parish in Amman, Jordan, before, in 2012, becoming a scholar-in-residence at Lumen Christi Institute, University of Chicago.

Father Joseph T. Cook, 61, died Aug. 17. He was associate pastor of St. Linus, Oak Lawn.

Born in Evergreen Park, Father Cook attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary South, Niles College Seminary and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.

After being ordained in 1986, he served as associate pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption and Holy Ghost, South Holland.

He was then pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption and St. Kieran, Chicago Heights, before being assigned as associate pastor of St. Linus.

Cook’s classmate and friend, Father James Presta, pastor of St. Emily, Mount Prospect, had known Father Joe since they both entered Niles College Seminary in 1978 as freshmen.

“Father Joe had a great smile and an infectious laugh, a deep, unwavering faith in the Lord and a passion for priestly ministry,” Presta said. “He has been a wonderful friend, a great classmate and brother priest to me. He will be sorely missed by his dear family and many friends, his seminary classmates and the many people whose hearts and souls he touched in parish life.”

Father William J. Costello, 82, died Aug. 23. He was a retired priest and former associate pastor of St. Eugene Parish.

Born in Chicago, he attended St. Gabriel School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary before being ordained in 1964.

Father Costello was assistant pastor of St. John of the Cross, Western Springs; St. Theodore; and St. Nicholas of Tolentine. He was associate pastor of St. Christina; Holy Cross, Deerfield; Prince of Peace, Lake Villa; and St. Peter, Antioch. He last served at St. Eugene Parish before retiring in 2008.

“Father Bill loved being a priest,” said Father John Ryan, pastor emeritus at St. Dismas Parish and a classmate of Costello. “He certainly loved the people at the parishes he served. He was a true servant of the Lord, very faithful to his duties and totally dedicated to his parishes.”

Deacon Louis “Bob” DeFiore, 84, of Huntley, died Aug. 26. He was ordained in 1978 and served for many years at St. John the Evangelist, Streamwood.

Deacon DeFirore was born in Chicago and met his wife, Carol, in high school. They married in 1957.

He worked as a pipefitter and was ordained a deacon in 1978. He served first at St. Ferdinand Parish and then at St. John the Evangelist.

According to the obituary posted by DeFiore Funeral Home, “He was called to share and live out God’s word, and becoming a deacon was a perfect fit for him and a vocation that he so loved doing.”

In 2001, he was the grateful recipient of a heart transplant.

Deacon DeFiore is survived by his wife, Carol; his children, Robert DeFiore, Julie Arza, Mari Kaiser and Carol Lynn DeFiore; nine grandchildren; and siblings Marlene Sylvester and Sister of Notre Dame de Namur Carol DeFiore.

Sister of St. Casimir Margaret Mary Mazgelis, 94, died Aug. 5.

Born in Massachusetts, she completed her high school education at St. Casimir Academy in Chicago and entered the Sisters of St. Casimir in 1944. She made her first profession of vows in 1946 and made her final vows in 1951. 

Sister Margaret Mary ministered in elementary schools in Illinois, Indiana and Pennsylvania. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at Providence of God (1946-1950), St. Anthony, Cicero (1954), St. George (Bridgeport, 1954-1957), Nativity BVM (1957-1960) and Maria High School (1960-1983). She served as principal of Nativity BVM (1983-1996).

She served as congregational general secretary and then administrative assistant from 1996 to 2013. Most recently, Sister Margaret Mary participated in the ministry of prayer and presence at Franciscan Village in Lemont.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Barbara (Richaria) Hutfless, 79, died Aug. 6 in Hazel Green, Wisconsin.

Born in Nebraska, she made her first religious profession in 1961, and her perpetual profession in 1966. She served as a culinary artist for 13 years and a teacher aide for two years before beginning a 29-year ministry of teaching. She served in Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Illinois and Colorado.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Barbara taught at St. Thomas the Apostle (1979-1987, 1995-2000) and St. Louis de Montfort, Oak Lawn (2000-2003), and was a substitute teacher at St. Germaine, Oak Lawn (2003-2008).

She is survived by a sister, Patricia DeMare, and a brother, Richard Hutfless.

Redemptorist Father John (Jack) Ferdinand Willett, 84, died Aug. 15 at St. Clement Redemptorist Mission Community in Liguori, Missouri. He influenced generations of Redemptorist missionaries during the 20 years he was involved in formation ministry.

Born in Michigan, Father Willett entered the Redemptorist formation program at St. Joseph Preparatory College in Missouri and professed temporary vows in 1956. He made his final profession of vows in 1959 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1961.

He served at parishes and in preaching ministry in Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri and Wisconsin and taught and worked in formation in Redemptorist seminaries. He also served in Nigeria.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, he was pastor of St. Alphonsus (1975-1978, 1984-1990).

He retired and moved to St. Clement in Liguori in 2014.

Adrian Dominican Sister Sally Ann (William Rose) Fergus, 82, died Aug. 16 in Adrian, Michigan.

Born in Chicago, she graduated from Immaculata High School. She was in her 63rd year of religious life and had a master’s degree in education from DePaul University and a master’s degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University Chicago.

She taught and was a principal in Michigan, Florida and Illinois, and was a religious education consultant at the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office of Catholic Education. She also served as prioress of the congregation’s Midwest chapter.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Kilian (1960-1966); Ascension, Harvey (1966-1968); St. Philip Neri (1969-1970); and St. Columbanus (1970-1980). She was principal of St. Hilary (1980-1991); a religious education consultant in the archdiocese’s Office of Catholic Education (1993-1999); and Midwest chapter prioress in Burbank (1999-2008).

She is survived by a sister, Maureen McManus, and two brothers, Patrick Fergus and Thomas Fergus.

School Sister of St. Francis Marionita Gergen, 100, died Aug. 17 in Milwaukee.

Born in Nebraska, Sister Marionita was received into the School Sisters of St. Francis in 1941 and made her final vows in 1949.

Sister Marionita ministered in Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska and Wisconsin for more than seven decades. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Martin School (1944-1949).

Sister Marionita is survived by a sister, Florence Dondlinger.

Providence Sister Joan (Denis Mary) Slobig, 77, died on Aug. 16 in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

Born in Chicago Heights, she entered the Sisters of Providence in 1964 and professed final vows in 1975.

Sister Joan ministered in education and served as director of the congregation’s formation program, was elected to the general council in 1996 for a five-year term, served as administrator of St. Ann Clinic (now Wabash Valley Health Center) and then served as a parish life coordinator at Indiana parishes.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at Providence-St. Mel High School (1969-1971) and was director of instruction at Mother Theodore Guerin High School, River Grove (1975-1977).

Sister Joan is survived by a sister, Judy Reagan, and her twin brother, Father John E. Slobig.

Providence Sister Barbara (Vincent Ferrer) Doherty, 88, died on Aug. 17 in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

Born in Chicago, she entered the Sisters of Providence in 1951 and professed final vows in 1958.

She was a teacher, theology professor and director of postulants before being elected to the provincial team for the Chicago area, serving as president of St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, directing the Institute for Religious Life at Catholic Theological Union and coordinating the Shrine of St. Mother Theodore in St. Mary-of-the-Woods.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at Immaculate Conception (1956-1960); St. Joseph Province, Park Ridge (1975-1983); Institute of Religious Formation, Catholic Theological Union (1999-2007).

Mercy Sister Patricia A. (Mary Keverne) Murphy, 85, died Aug. 19.

Born at Mercy Hospital in Chicago, she attended St. Clotilde School and Mercy High School, before she entered the novitiate in 1952.

After earning her nursing degree in 1984, Sister Pat remained in Chicago, serving at Misericordia Home South and Mercy Hospital and Medical Center. However, in 1988, she was called to return as principal of Queen of Martyrs until her retirement in 1994. Sister Pat then volunteered as a nurse diabetes educator with the Chicago Department of Public Health, Mercy Family Health Center, and Mercy Hospital Diabetes Treatment Center, where she led classes on diabetes self-management skills.

Holy Family of Nazareth Sister M. Regina (Helen) Jaszwinski, 90, died May 17 at Nazarethville in Des Plaines.

 Born in Chicago, she entered the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth in 1948. In the Chicago area, she taught at St. Hyacinth; St. Ladislaus; Immaculate Heart of Mary; St. Hedwig; St. Patricia; St. Emily, Mount Prospect; St. Camillus; St. Gilbert, Grayslake; and St. Ann (Pilsen) schools. She also spent six years teaching in Texas. She retired from teaching in 2004 and ministered at St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital Center (now AMITA Health Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center) as a part-time receptionist for nine years.

In 2013, she transferred to Nazarethville, where she ministered to the residents, praying for and with them. She continued to be active for all 90 years of her life.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Ruth Mary Coleman, 87, died July 29 in Dubuque, Iowa.

Born in Oak Park, Sister Ruth Mary made her first religious profession in 1954 and her perpetual profession in 1957.

She taught in schools for 19 years and ministered in religious education for 21 years and spiritual direction for five years. Sister Ruth Mary found great joy in free verse poetry and shared her works with many.

She served in South Dakota, Illinois, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Alabama, Florida and New Mexico.

She is survived by two sisters, Susan O’Regan and Karen Schwartz.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Colleen (Mary Avia) McNicholas, 84, died Aug. 3 in Hazel Green, Wisconsin.

Born in Chicago, she made her first religious profession in 1956 and her perpetual profession in 1959. She taught for 10 years before transitioning into educational administration for the next 22 years.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Colleen taught at St. Luke, River Forest (1963-1966) and served the Sinsinawa Dominican congregation as director of sponsored ministry (1980-1985, 1989-1992). She served at Rosary College/Dominican University, River Forest, as education chair and faulty (1989-1995); dean of the School of Education (1995-2008); and director of the online graduate program (2008-2012). Sister Colleen served as volunteer research assistant at the Sister Mary Nona McGreal Center for Dominican Historical Studies, River Forest (2012-2016).

She also served in New Jersey, Iowa, Minnesota and New York.

She is survived by a sister, Sharon Peterson, and two brothers, John “Jack” McNicholas and James McNicholas.

Mercy Sister Nadine (Anna Mae) Hargadon died Aug. 4.

After graduating from Siena High School in Chicago, Sister Nadine entered the Sisters of Mercy in Des Plaines 69 years ago.

Sister Nadine was a graduate of Saint Xavier College (now University) and the School of Applied Theology at the University of California.

Sister Nadine was a teacher, principal and administrator at several Chicago schools. Later, she became a pastoral associate at St. Charles Lwanga and St. Martin de Porres parishes.

She went on to become an administrator and coordinator at Mercy Manor Aurora.

Upon the celebration of her 60th jubilee, Sister Nadine said that she depended on her motto, “Hope is my strength,” to help her address others’ needs.

She is survived by her siblings Patricia, James and Joseph.

BVM Sister Richard Ann Quilter, 95, died July 20 in Dubuque, Iowa.

She was born in Chicago and attended Our Lady of the Angels School and The Immaculata High School before entering the congregation in 1945. She professed final vows in 1953.

Sister Richard Ann was a first-grade teacher at St. Vincent and Our Lady of the Angels. She also taught in Iowa, Wisconsin and California.

She is survived by her brother, James Quilter.

Franciscan Sister of Chicago Mary Petronia (Leocadia) Budzinski, 99, died July 22.

Sister Mary Petronia entered the congregation as an aspirant while a high school student in 1934. She professed first vows in 1939 and perpetual vows in 1944.

She taught at St. Florian (1954-1956); St. Pancratius (1968-1970); and St. Louise de Marillac, LaGrange Park (1970-1987); and in East St. Louis and in Indiana.

She served in local leadership in many of her assignments. In 1987, she moved to the Lemont motherhouse, where she was a local superior and marketing assistant for Franciscan Village.

She moved to the assisted living section of Our Lady of Victory Convent in 2012.

Precious Blood Father Alphonse Spilly, 80, died July 27 in Ohio, where he had been recovering from an illness.

Born in Hammond, Indiana, he entered the Missionaries of the Precious Blood in 1953 at Brunnerdale, the missionaries’ former high school seminary near Canton, Ohio, and was ordained in 1967. 

Throughout his more than 50 years as a priest, Father Spilly was involved in education ministry and communications for the wider church.

After his ordination, he was an instructor at St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana, and in 1968, he began advanced studies at the University of Chicago and earned a doctorate in biblical studies in 1977.  

He also served in his congregation’s senate. He was named director of the theologate and of formation in 1972. A scholar of the Old Testament, he also taught at Catholic Theological Union and Mundelein Seminary.

In 1984, he was appointed a special assistant to Cardinal Joseph Bernardin. After the cardinal’s death in 1996, he served as special assistant to Cardinal Francis George for two years. He then served as director of the Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Center for Theology and Ministry at CTU.

In 2000, Father Spilly’s two-volume compilation of Selected Works of Joseph Cardinal Bernardin was published by Liturgical Press. 

In 2002, Father Spilly joined the faculty of Calumet College of St. Joseph in Whiting, Indiana, as an associate professor of religious studies. He chaired the newly established social justice committee while assisting at four parishes in Whiting.

In 2013, Father Spilly moved to Assumption Seminary in San Antonio, where he became a special assistant to Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller.

Poor health forced his retirement to St. Charles Center, Carthagena, Ohio, in 2017, but he continued to work remotely with Archbishop García-Siller, assisting him with communications.

Mercy Sister Amadea (Florence Rose) Collins, 90, died June 22.

Born in Wheaton and raised in DuPage County, she became acquainted with the Sisters of Mercy when she worked in the kitchen at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Aurora on weekends while attending high school at Madonna. She entered the congregation a few months after she turned 16.

She taught for 25 years starting in 1948, with assignments at many schools in Illinois and a few in Wisconsin.

In 1973, she began working as the religious education coordinator at Our Lady of the Ridge in Chicago Ridge. She held that position until 1985, when she began managing the bookstore at Saint Xavier University.

Later in life, she volunteered by providing transportation to the elderly.

Jesuit Father Frederick “Fred” J. Deters, 83, died July 5.

Born in Cincinnati, he was a Jesuit for more than 65 years.

Father Fred entered the Society of Jesus in 1954. He was ordained in 1967 and took final vows in 1976 at Loyola University Chicago. He earned a doctorate of sacred theology from Catholic University of America in 1973.

He taught at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati (1962-1964). After ordination, Father Fred taught theology at Loyola University Chicago (1973-1980) before directing retreats in Ohio.

Beginning in 1982, Father Fred transitioned into hospital chaplaincy where, for more than 30 years, he used his gifts of listening, empathy and caring for others. He was a chaplain at Loyola University Medical Center (1982-1994) and in Indiana.

Father Fred was missioned to Colombiere Center in Michigan in 2013 to perform service for the Jesuit community.