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.

Felician Sister Mary Yvonne (Janet, Mary Barnabia) Karczewski, 91, died on July 7, in Our Lady of the Angels Convent.

Born in Poland, she moved to Chicago before entering the Felician Sisters postulancy in 1946 and professing her final vows in 1954. She ministered as an elementary school teacher in various schools in Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. She also served as the art coordinator for the Felician archdiocesan schools.  

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she ministered at St. Helen (1953-1955, 1958-1960), Our Lady of the Garden (1957-1958), Holy Innocents (1962-1965), St. Joseph (1969-1977, 1982-1985), St. Stanislaus, Posen (1977-1980), Sacred Heart 1981-1982) and St. James (1986-1987).

Sister Joan (Joseph Bernard) Zlogar, 90, died July 14 in St. Mary of the Woods, Indiana.

Born in Joliet, Sister Joan entered the Sisters of Providence in 1950 and professed final vows in 1958.

She ministered in education for 30 years as a business teacher and school administrator in Indiana, Illinois and Washington, D.C.

She also served as treasurer for her province and assistant to the treasurer for the Cenacle Sisters in Chicago.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she served at St. Mark (1953); St. Columbkille High School (1953-1957, 1958-1966); Marywood High School, Evanston (1957-1958); Mother Theodore Guerin High School, River Grove (teacher, 1969-1973; principal, 1987-1991); Josephinum High School (1986-1987); Cenacle Midwest Provincialate (1992-1997).

After retirement, she volunteered with organizations including the alumnae organization of St. Columbkille High School.

Sister Genevieve (Mary Gertruda) Pinion, 87, died July 16 at St. Dominic Villa in Wisconsin.

Born in Wisconsin, Sister Genevieve made her first religious profession in 1942 and her perpetual profession in 1945.

She taught music for 64 years, serving in Wisconsin, Illinois and Washington, D.C. 

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Genevieve taught at Visitation High School (1945-1947) and at Rosary College/Dominican University, River Forest (1951-1996), where she was chair of the music department.

She is survived by two sisters, Gertrude Greey and Charlotte Sacks.

Divine Word Father Robert Mallonee, 83, a dean of students at Catholic Theological Union, died June 11 in Techny.

Born in Ohio, Father Mallonee entered the Society of the Divine Word after receiving a bachelor’s degree in history at age 22.

While still a seminarian, he served as a lecturer of history at Divine Word College in Miramar, Massachusetts. While studying theology at Divine Word Seminary at Techny, he worked on a master’s degree in history from Loyola University in Chicago. Later, he earned a doctor of ministry degree in pastoral counseling while serving as associate professor of pastoral care at CTU in Chicago.

Father Mallonee professed vows in 1962 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1967. For his first assignment, he held a dual role as director of the library and director of the pastoral program at Divine Word Seminary at Techny. During this time, he also completed another master’s degree, this one in library science from Rosary College (now Dominican University) in River Forest.

In 1971, he became an associate professor of pastoral care and the following year was appointed dean of students at CTU. During his 16-year tenure at CTU, he was invited to serve a year as a visiting professor in pastoral care at Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay City, Philippines.

He returned to Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay in 1985 as director of the Arnoldus Library and lecturer in pastoral psychology and co-founded the Philippine Theological Library Association.

In 1990, he was assigned to Miramar Retreat Center, where he served as a spiritual director and counselor for more than 25 years.

Father Mallonee moved to Techny in 2017.

BVM Sister Carolyn Farrell, died June 14 in Dubuque, Iowa.

Born in Iowa, she entered the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1953 and professed final vows in 1961.

Sister Carolyn was interim president of Mundelein College, associate vice president at Loyola University and founding director of the Gannon Center for Women and Leadership.

She also was an elementary teacher at St. Tarcissus and schools in Iowa.

During her tenure as director of continuing education at Clarke University, she served on the Dubuque City Council and as mayor. Sister Carolyn also served two terms as regional representative in the BVM Congregation and as founding director of the BVM Women’s Office.

She returned to Dubuque to become the director of the Roberta Kuhn Center and served as a member of the board of trustees at Clarke University. 

She is survived by siblings Dolores Zeller, James Farrell, Margaret Whitman and Thomas Farrell.

Divine Word Father Leo Dusheck, 86, died June 15 in Techny.

Born in Pennsylvania, he began his studies with the Society of the Divine Word in 1947, professed religious vows in 1953 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1961.

During his academic career, he taught mathematics and sciences at Divine Word seminaries in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.’

In 1979, Father Dusheck’s ministry shifted gears. He became a hospital chaplain in Pittsburgh and for six years prayed for and with those in need.

In 1985, he was chosen to lead the Techny community as rector. In an interview shortly after his election, he expressed his interest in finding innovative ways to care for the retired and infirm members of the Society of the Divine Word.

Upon completing two terms as rector, he returned to Pittsburgh, where he served another six years as a hospital and prison chaplain. In 1996, he once again made Techny his home and worked in the infirmary. He moved to New Jersey in 1999 to assist at a parish until his health necessitated moving back to Techny in 2019.

He is survived by his sister, Marie Dusheck.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Marion (Francisca) Hangsterfer, 86, died June 18 in Hazel Green, Wisconsin.

Born in Chicago, Sister Marion made her first religious profession in 1958 and her perpetual profession in 1961.

She was a teacher and principal, literacy volunteer and development office worker, and she served in Wisconsin, Illinois, Oklahoma, California, Texas and Florida.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Marion taught at St. Brendan (1969-1977).

Little Sister of the Poor Agathe Berchmans (Gertrude Jane Simms), 95, died May 6. She had served at St. Mary’s Home for the Elderly in Lincoln Park since 2002.

Sister Agathe was born in Denver and left home at age 16 to join the Little Sisters. She made her first profession in 1943.

Those who knew her remember her love and sincere care for others, as well as her devoted service in whatever task she was asked to fulfill.

She is survived by her brother, Steve.

Viatorian Father George J. Auger, 87, died June 2 at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights.

Father Auger had degrees in English and religious education from Loyola University Chicago and DePaul University, a teaching certificate in French/English bilingual education from the Ecole Normale in Rigaud, Canada, and a diploma in the theology of religious life from the Lumen Vitae program in Brussels.

He taught at St. Viator High School, Arlington Heights (1961-1963, 1965-1971) and was director of the retirement wing of the Viatorian province center in Arlington Heights (1996-2004). He also taught at other high schools, served in parishes in other Illinois communities and served as his congregation’s general councilor in Rome (1988-1994).

He returned to the province center from an assignment as pastor in Kankakee in 2007, and he served as chaplain for the Little Sisters of the Poor in Palatine (2013-2016).

He is survived by his brother, Paul.

Providence Sister Edna Scheller, 88, died June 8 in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

Sister Edna entered the Sisters of Providence in 1950 and professed final vows in 1957.

She was an educator and health care administrator and director of transportation for her community. She ministered in Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina and California.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Francis Borgia (1952-1955).

Sister Edna is survived by a brother, Thomas Scheller.

Divine Word Jerzy (George) Gawlik, 66, died May 29. He was pastor of St. Joseph the Worker, Wheeling.

Father Gawlik was born in Brzozowice-Katowice, Poland. He made his first vows in 1976 and his perpetual vows in 1980 in Poland. Gawlik was ordained to the priesthood in 1981, also in Poland.

While ministering in Poland, Gawlik served as formation director and prefect of Divine Word Seminary in Nysa, formation director of Divine Word Mission in Pieniezno, and rector and novice director at Divine Word Mission House in Chludowo. Gawlik was also a missionary in the Philippines.

Since arriving in the United States in 2004, Gawlik served as both associate pastor and pastor at St. Joseph the Worker Parish.

Divine Word Father Quang Duc Dinh, provincial superior of the Society of the Divine Word Chicago Province, recalls Father Gawlik as a “great missionary” and a kind and gentle pastor.

Father John E. Flavin, 83, died May 30. He was a retired priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago and former pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Glenview.

Born in Chicago, Father Flavin attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, completing his theological studies at the North American College and the Gregorian University in Rome before being ordained there in 1960.

He was assistant pastor of Our Lady of Grace and St. Catherine of Siena, Oak Park. He was pastor of St. Sebastian and Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

He also served on the faculty of Quigley Preparatory Seminary North, on the staff of Liturgy Training Publications and Maryhaven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and as director of the Archdiocesan Office of Goal Setting. Father Flavin was president of the Presbyteral Senate and dean of Deaneries 3, 4 and 5 in Vicariate II, as well as the cardinal’s representative on the Pastoral Guidelines for Marriage, and had resided at St. Benedict Nursing and Rehabilitation Center since 2009.

Father Flavin had a reputation of being highly intelligent, and he was active in parish ministries. At his first parish, St. Sebastian, Father Flavin supported the parish’s Dignity Mass, bilingual Masses and AIDS hospice. At Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Flavin led various ministries to support families most in need.

Deacon Joseph “J. Frank” Marquez, 93, died May 18. He was ordained in 1972 and served for more than 40 years at St. Pascal Parish.

Deacon Marquez was a member of the first class of permanent deacons ordained for the Archdiocese of Chicago and a U.S. Army veteran. He was an accountant and worked for Loyola University and Loyola Medical Center. 

He is survived by his wife, Sharon; children Bob, Sharon Bush, Marty, Juli, David and Amanda; and nine grandchildren.

Mercy Sister Ann Sullivan, 84, died April 20.

Born in Chicago, she attended Resurrection School and graduated from Siena High School in 1953. In 1955, Sister Ann entered the Sisters of Mercy.

From 1959-1969, Sister Ann taught at schools in Chicago, Milwaukee and Rockford.

After leaving teaching, she worked as an administrative assistant at Misericordia for two years

She then worked as an administrator in Mercy facilities in Aurora.

Benedictine Sister of Chicago Johnette Sawyer, 84, died May 2 at St. Francis Hospital, Evanston, where she had been hospitalized for three weeks after contracting COVID-19.

Sister Johnette was born in Pueblo, Colorado, and entered the monastery in 1955. She made her final vows in 1957.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at Queen of All Saints, St. Hilary and St. Symphorosa, where she was also a sacristan in the parish. She ministered in the Diocese of Pueblo, Colorado, from the 1960s to 2015.

She is survived by her sister, Marilyn Graybill, and her brother, John.

Benedictine Sister of Chicago Joan Gannon, 97, died May 6.

Born in Chicago, she and her family were active members of St. Jerome Parish. After attending St. Scholastica High School, she entered the community as a postulant in 1940 and professed triennial vows in 1942.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught first grade and was parish sacristan at St. Hilary (1942-1948); taught at Mother of God, Waukegan (1948-1951); taught kindergarten at Queen of All Saints (1951-1952); performed various services at the Benedictine Monastery after losing her voice (1952-1953); taught chemistry and math and performed other duties at St. Scholastica High School (1956-1967); ministered in the infirmary (1967-1970); and worked in the language lab and business office at St. Scholastica Academy (1970-1979).

For the next 10 years, she served at several Chicago parishes, including Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Thomas Aquinas. She worked with the St. Jerome “Tip Toppers” and did several jobs in the monastery until retiring in 2014.

Sister of the Living Word Norma (Jane P.) Thelen, 82, died May 9. She had been a member of the community for 45 years.

Born in Michigan, she taught in elementary schools in Illinois, Louisiana and Michigan for 25 years. She then ministered in the field of gerontology for 27 years. She retired in 2013.

She is survived by her brothers Clair and Thomas Thelen and her sisters Rose Mary Nurenberg, Virginia Drake and Linda Thelen.

Felician Sister Mary Dionette (Theophilla) Werner, 90, died May 15 in Our Lady of the Angels Convent.

Born in Poland, she moved to Chicago and attended Good Counsel High School. She entered the Felician Sisters postulancy in 1949 and professed her final vows in 1957. 

She ministered as an elementary school teacher in various schools in Illinois and also served as a librarian at Providence High School in New Lenox. She ministered in the Congregation for Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life in Rome for 20 years, and served in the Office of the Metropolitan Tribunal for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she ministered at Holy Innocents (1949-1955), St. John of God (1955-1957), St. Helen (1960-1965), St. Wenceslaus (1965-1971), and the Office of Metropolitan Tribunal (2000-2014).

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Mary (Ora) Fox, 89, died May 26 in Hazel Green, Wisconsin.

Born in Wisconsin, Sister Mary made her first religious profession as a Sinsinawa Dominican in 1950 and her perpetual profession in 1953. She was a teacher, school administrator, catechist, director of religious education and community liaison in Illinois, Montana, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Florida and Oklahoma.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Mary taught at Visitation (1962-1964) and St. Thomas More (1967-1971). She was principal of St. Basil (1978-1984).

She is survived by two brothers, Leonard Peacock and Jim Fox.

Deacon Marvin Kocar, 87, died May 4 after a long illness. He was ordained in 1986 and served at St. Pius X Parish, Stickney.

Born and raised in Chicago and a resident of Lyons, Deacon Kocar was a U.S. Navy veteran and he worked as an instructor at the Chicago Transit Authority. He enjoyed his retirement traveling, fishing and biking.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Margaret; children Linda Kucera and Marianne Kubat; three grandchildren; and his sister, Beverly Tomzik.

Jesuit Father John T. Dillon, 90, died May 12 in Michigan.

Born in Ludlow, Kentucky, he was a Jesuit for more than 65 years. He entered the society in 1952, was ordained in 1963 and made final vows in 1967.

He earned master’s degrees in philosophy and guidance and counseling from Loyola University Chicago, where he ministered for more than 30 years.

In 1999, he became director of Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House in Barrington, where he served until 2006. He then was a spiritual director at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary (2007-2010).

An injury he suffered as a young adult left him blind in one eye and visually impaired in the other. Because reading for long periods was difficult, he taught himself to retain information he heard listening to lectures and in meetings. His gift for listening made him an excellent spiritual director, according to many of his directees.

He is survived by his sister, Margaret Dillon, and his brother, Lawrence Dillon.

Holy Family of Nazareth Sister Stella Louise (M. Edelburg) Slomka, 99, died May 16 at Nazarethville in Des Plaines.

Born in Chicago, she entered the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth in 1937 and professed her final vows in 1947. She earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce and finance and a master’s degree in hospital administration from St. Louis University.

She served as the administrator and president of St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital (now Amita Health Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center) from 1959 until her retirement in 1999 at the age of 78.

Committed to responding to the needs of families deprived of healthcare, she directed the construction of the 16-story, 495-bed St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital Center, which was completed in 1975. She also led the renovation of the former St. Mary School of Nursing into Nazareth Family Center and the construction of the medical office building.

Sister Stella Louise served on numerous boards including the Bishop Abramowicz Seminary Advisory Board and the Retirement Research Foundation. She received many awards for her health care ministry, including the Loyola University Community Service Award, Joseph Cardinal Bernadin’s “As Those Who Serve” award and the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award from Pope John Paul II.

Father Anthony M. Talarico, 75, died April 30. He was the former pastor of Holy Ghost Parish in South Holland.

Born in Chicago, Father Talarico attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary before being ordained in 1970.

After ordination, Talarico was assistant pastor of St. Priscilla and Immaculate Conception, Highland Park. He also served as chaplain at Columbus Hospital.

He served as pastor of St. Aloysius, Holy Rosary and Holy Ghost. He also served as an administrator at Cardinal Stritch Retreat House in Mundelein and Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. He retired from ministry in 2018, and he continued to reside at the Holy Ghost Parish rectory.

Roman Szabelski, former executive director of Catholic Cemeteries, remembers his friend “as a loving pastor who was always concerned for his parishioners.” Father Talarico cared for Szabelski’s brother, Father Joe Szabelski, who suffered from chronic health issues before he died three years ago.

“The same gentle kindness Father Tony showed his parishioners was the same gentle kindness that was applied to my brother,” said Szabelski, who recalled how Father Talarico cared for a three-legged Irish wolfhound named Finn. “Whenever the shelter had a dog, they would always call Father Tony to adopt it. I guess he was always willing to take care of the abandoned.”

Providence Sister Helen Therese (Eileen) Conway, 94, died April 16 in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

Born in Chicago, she attended Our Lady of the Angels School and Providence High School. She entered the Sisters of Providence in 1948 and professed final vows in 1955.

Of her 72 years as a Sister of Providence, she ministered in education for 37 years in schools in Indiana, Illinois and California. Retiring from teaching in 1987, she returned to the motherhouse, where she served as an administrative assistant in a variety of offices. 

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Francis Xavier, Wilmette (1960-1964) and Our Lady of Mercy (1964-1965).

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Loretta (Mercedes) Finnerty, 89, died April 27 in Hazel Green, Wisconsin. Her religious name was Sister Mercedes.

Born in Chicago, Sister Loretta made her first religious profession in 1952 and her perpetual profession in 1955. She was an educator and pastoral minister in Wisconsin, Colorado, Illinois, the District of Columbia, Louisiana and Michigan.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Loretta taught at St. Basil (1976-1977) and Visitation (1977-1981).

She is survived by a sister, Betty Finnerty.

Deacon Irvin J. Boppart Sr., 83, of North Chicago, died April 2. He was ordained in 1976 and served at Most Blessed Trinity Parish in Waukegan.

Born in Richmond, Illinois, he grew up in McHenry County and moved to North Chicago in 1962. He was a longtime parishioner of Mother of God Church in Waukegan before becoming a member of Queen of Peace Church/Most Blessed Trinity Parish.

He graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, and worked as a teacher and in building maintenance at First Midwest Bank and later at Gurnee Mills.

He is survived by his children: Irvin Jr., Tony, Cathy and Tim; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Loren and Gene, and three sisters, Marilyn, Phyllis and Betty. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rebecca, in 1997.

Holy Family of Nazareth Sister Donna Marie Davis (formerly Our Lady of Charity Sister Anthony), 71, died March 10 at Holy Family Medical Center, Des Plaines. She was in her 54th year of religious life.

Born in Cincinnati, she entered the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity in Carrolton, Ohio, in 1966 and remained with this congregation for 30 years, serving at St. John’s Villa in Ohio. In the late 1990s, she began the transfer process to the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. In June 2000, she professed perpetual vows as a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth.

As a certified nursing assistant, she served at Nazarethville in Des Plaines. Later, when she became a resident at Nazarethville, she continued to assist with sisters and those who were dying.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Rita Claire (Antonine) Dorner, 89, died April 6 at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, Wisconsin.

Born in Chicago, she made her first religious profession in 1951 and her perpetual profession in 1954.

She taught music for 25 years and in the graduate program in pastoral ministry for 18 years, serving as director for seven of those years. Sister Rita Claire served as director of religious education, liturgist and/or music director at parishes and with her religious sisters for 16 years.

She served in Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, the District of Columbia and California.

Divine Word Father Chester Smith, 60, died suddenly on April 8.

Father Smith, who grew up on Chicago’s South Side, was one of the first pair of African-American twins to be ordained Catholic priests. He was an international leader in African-American ministry and youth outreach.

He was encouraged by his mother and by Father Edward Delaney at Our Lady of the Gardens Parish.

“Father Chester often spoke of the encouragement he received from Father Delaney to become a priest ‘because your people need you,’” said his identical twin brother, Divine Word Father Charles Smith. “Father Delaney’s comments were the foundation of his ministry, encouraging black men and women to be leaders in their communities, parishes and churches.”

Born five minutes after his brother in 1959, Chester was the second of four children in their family. The brothers attended Divine Word Seminary High School in East Troy, Wisconsin, and then Divine Word College in Epworth, Iowa, where Chester earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology.

In 1982, the brothers professed religious vows in the Society of the Divine Word at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, site of the first Catholic seminary for African-American students. They were both ordained in 1988.

Father Chester Smith once said that he committed to the idea of becoming a priest when he was a seminarian, working in the Watts section of Los Angeles.

During his priesthood, Father Smith was an associate pastor at St. Anselm and St. Elizabeth parishes in Chicago, as well as St. Nicholas in St. Louis. He founded Ambassadors of the Word, a peer group ministry program that fosters youth rites of passage and cross-cultural experiences. He and his brother also developed Boyhood to Manhood, a parish-based program to help young black men realize their value, get in touch with their spirituality and train future church leaders.

As a founding member of the Bowman Francis Ministry Team, Father Smith designed and implemented retreats, leadership programs and revivals that celebrate African and African-American culture within the context of the Catholic Church. For two decades, he organized the National Black Catholic Men’s Conference, which annually draws multiple generations of African-American men for workshops and liturgies.

Father Smith also co-authored two books: “Boyhood to Manhood,” a rite of passage manual for African-American boys, and “My Family, Our Family,” a manual for family Kwanzaa celebration.

From 2006 to 2010, he served as president of the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus.

In addition to degrees from Divine Word College and Catholic Theological Union, Father Smith pursued French studies at the University of Montreal in Montreal, Canada, and Rites of Passage Training at the Institute of Black Studies in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Along with his twin brother, Father Smith is survived by a sister, Marcheta, and a brother, Kermit.

Deacon Edward Tomkowiak, 85, died March 8. He was ordained in 1992 and served at St. Patrick Parish, Wadsworth.

He was born in Wisconsin, where he met and married his wife, Theresa, who died in 2000. The couple was married for 45 years.

Deacon Tomkowiak lived most of his life in Wadsworth in a house he built. He worked for IBM for 30 years and earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Roosevelt University in Chicago. He was a Wadsworth village trustee for many years and the Wadsworth mayor for two terms. He enjoyed traveling, gardening and was a fervent Green Bay Packers fan, and he was a consummate do-it-yourselfer.

After being ordained in 1992, he performed many marriages and baptisms. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for more than 50 years, he led the St. Patrick youth group for many years and he was director of religious education. He was actively involved with missionary work, traveling to Piura, Peru, annually for 18 years.

Deacon Tomkowiak married his wife, Jane, in 2004. He is survived by Jane and his children Edward, Terry and John Tomkowiak; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; his sister, Lorraine Michalski; and his brother, Thomas Tomkowiak.

Deacon Ralph Hinch, 94, died March 23. He was ordained in 1990 and served at the St. Francis Borgia Deaf Center.

Hinch became a deacon after retiring from a career as a research chemist.

“He was kind of an on-the-go guy,” said his son, Joseph Hinch. “After he retired, he said, ‘I’m going to go get a master’s degree in ministry.”

Deacon Hinch, who was deaf, earned a master’s degree in pastoral ministry with the deaf from St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida, and became the Deaf Center’s second permanent deacon, said Father Joseph Mulcrone, the center’s director emeritus.

Deacon Hinch enjoyed preaching, his son said, and took pride in his homilies.

“He would bring it down to the everyday person’s level,” Joseph Hinch. “He would tell you a story, and there was probably a joke in there. He wanted to get a message across and he wanted people to listen to it and be interested.”

Deacon Hinch is survived by his wife of 60 years, Virginia, who is also deaf, and their four sons, Joseph, Peter, John and Paul; and four grandchildren. A daughter, Mary, died in infancy.

Holy Family of Nazareth Sister M. Alma (Leokadia) Bak, 99, died Feb. 28 at Nazarethville in Des Plaines. She was in her 80th year of religious life.

Born in Chicago, she was baptized at Holy Innocents Church. She entered religious life in 1940 and professed her first vows in 1943. She earned a bachelor’s degree from DePaul University.

She taught in many parish schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago, including St. Ann, St. Casimir, St. Hedwig, St. Andrew, St. Adalbert, St. Josaphat, St. Ladislaus and St. Hyacinth.

Providence Sister Mary Rita (Mary Paula) Griffin, 83, died March 6 in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

Born in Washington, D.C., she entered the Sisters of Providence in 1954 and professed final vows in 1962.

She ministered in education, administration and service to the poor in Indiana; Maryland; Massachusetts; North Carolina; Chicago; Washington, D.C.; and Taiwan.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she was principal of Our Lady of Sorrows School (1978-1984).

Franciscan Sister Patricia (Helen) Heuer, 103, died March 11 in the 86th year of her religious life.

She was born in South Dakota and entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1933 and made her final vows in 1939.

She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Loras College in Dubuque. Sister Patricia ministered as an educator in Iowa in Waterloo, Sioux City, and Dyersville; in Illinois at Midlothian, Melrose Park and North Riverside; and in California in Crescent City.

Adrian Dominican Sister Ruth (Joan Francis) Rabideau, 93, died March 12 in Adrian, Michigan.

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

She served in education and as a pastoral minister in Michigan, Illinois and Florida.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at Queen of Angels (1948-1952); St. Edmund, Oak Park (1963-1965); and St. Rita Elementary School (1965-1967).

She is survived by a sister, Joan Mendicino.

Sister of Christian Charity Carolyn (Agnita) Eultgen, 94, died March 16 at Sacred Heart Convent, Wilmette.

Born in St. Louis, she entered the convent in 1939. She made first vows in 1944.

She taught at St. Raphael (1944-1957) and St. Gregory (1966-1972) and was principal at St. Theresa, Palatine (1984-1988) and St. Martha, Morton Grove (1988-1991).

She also ministered to the Lakota Sioux people on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota.

In 2008, Sister Carolyn returned to Wilmette as local leader of Sacred Heart Convent. In 2010, due to health problems, she became a patient there.

Providence Sister Christine (Eleanor Mae) Patrick, 89, died March 20 in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

Born in Indianapolis, she entered the Sisters of Providence in 1950 and professed final vows in 1957.

She ministered as a teacher, principal and administrator in Illinois; Indiana; Oklahoma; Washington, D.C.; and Florida. A lover of animals, especially dogs, upon retirement she volunteered at the Southeastern Guide Dogs in East Palmetto, Florida.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she served at St. Mel-Holy Ghost (1952-1953) and Maternity BVM (1956-1958).

Sister Christine is survived by a sister, Zoe Booker.

Sister Marie David (Mary Catherine) Schroeder, 97, died March 30 in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

She ministered in schools in Indiana, Illinois and California before returning to the motherhouse, where she served in the business office and gift shop.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she served at Maternity BVM (1943-1947); St. Francis Xavier, Wilmette (1951-1952); St. Mel (1954-1957); and St. Sylvester (1973).

Father Ronald H. Anglim, 81, died March 7. He was pastor emeritus of St. Peter, Antioch.

Born in Chicago, Father Anglim attended St. Ignatius High School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary before being ordained in 1965.

He was assistant pastor of St. Giles, Oak Park, and St. Francis Borgia. He was associate pastor of St. Barbara, Brookfield, and Our Lady of the Ridge, Chicago Ridge. He was pastor of Holy Family, North Chicago; St. Joseph, Libertyville; and St. Peter, Antioch, where he was named pastor emeritus in 2009. Father Anglim also served as chaplain of the Navy League of the United States.

Mercy Sister Sheila (Mary Carmeletta) Lyne, 83, died March 10.

Born on the South Side of Chicago, she attended Little Flower School and Mercy High School. After graduating from high school, she joined the Sisters of Mercy in 1953 and wanted to become a nurse.

She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing at Saint Xavier University and ministered at hospitals in Aurora, Illinois, and in Iowa.

In 1971, she began a long career in administration at Mercy Hospital in Chicago, first as an administrator and then twice as CEO. During her time as CEO, she earned a master’s degree in business from the University of Chicago.

Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley appointed Sister Sheila as commissioner for the Chicago Department of Public Health, a position she held from 1990 to 2001. Sister Sheila was the first woman and the first non-physician to serve in that role. She gained national attention for creating comprehensive women’s health programs, including a plan for domestic violence and improving prenatal care.

Concerned about the number of individuals affected by AIDS, she increased funding from $4 million to $40 million and implemented many programs to help the people of Chicago.

Mercy Hospital was in a dire financial situation in 2000 when Sister Sheila decided to return to the hospital as CEO. “There were those who urged us to move so we’d get away from poor people. But we’re not running from the poor. What would Catherine McAuley think of us if we did?” Sister Sheila is reported to have said.

Instead, Sister Sheila recovered old insurance claims, reached out to former donors and added facilities. A state-of-the-art MRI Center, a Heart and Vascular Care Center and the Comprehensive Breast Care Center, named after Sister Sheila Lyne, are three of the programs she initiated.

Sister Sheila negotiated the movement of Mercy Hospital to Trinity Health System in 2012, months before her retirement.

Sister of Christian Charity M.  Consuela (Virginia) Chase, 99, died Feb. 23 at Sacred Heart Convent, Wilmette. 

Born in Detroit, she entered the convent in 1934 and made her first vows in 1939.

She taught elementary school at St. Gregory (1942-1943, 1967-1970) and St. Raphael as well as in other states.

In 1974, Sister M. Consuela returned to Wilmette. In 1978, after teaching in the English as a Second Language program at Mallinckrodt College for three years, she became its director. In 1999, Sister Consuela moved to Josephinum Convent, where she taught in the SCC Literacy Program. Two years later, Sister Consuela began her ministry of office clerk at Josephinum Middle School. 

In 2013, Sister M. Consuela moved to Sacred Heart Convent in Wilmette, where she used her writing skills to thank benefactors for donations.

Franciscan Sister of Chicago Mary Josetta Kuczmarski, 95, died Feb. 26.

She entered the order in 1944 from Greenfield, Massachusetts, and made her first vows in 1947 and her final vows in 1952.

She did her novitiate in Lemont (1945-1946), taught as a novice at St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr (1946-1947), and then taught at Five Holy Martyrs (1947-1950) and St. Florian (1951-1954). She served at St. Pancratius (1988-1998) as a teacher, driver, extraordinary minister of Communion and lector. She also served in Indiana and Ohio before retiring to the Lemont motherhouse in 2015.

Benedictine Sister Amy (Romona Frances) Campbell, 99, died Feb. 27 at St. Scholastica Monastery.

Born in Denver, she attended St. Scholastica Academy in Cañon City, Colorado, and entered the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago in 1938 and made her final vows in 1943.

Sister Amy had a long career in education, mostly in the middle or primary grades, in both Colorado and Illinois.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Amy taught at St. Hilary (1940-1941, 1954-1957); St. George (1941-1943); Mother of God, Waukegan (1943-1948); and St. John Nepomucene (1957-1963).

Franciscan Father Venard (Alphonse) Kommer, 99, of Clarendon Hills, died March 2 in Hinsdale.

Born in Germany, he entered the Franciscan Friars of the Sacred Heart Province in 1940 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1946 in Teutopolis, Illinois.

After other assignments in Illinois and Michigan, he served in Chicago at Corpus Christi Parish, Corpus Christi High School and Hales Franciscan High School. 

He later served in schools and hospitals in DuPage County.

Adrian Dominican Sister Anastasia (John Leo) McNichols, 91, died March 4 in Adrian, Michigan.

Born in Chicago, she attended Trinity High School in River Forest and was in her 70th year of religious life.

Sister Anastasia ministered in education, congregation leadership and pastoral care in Michigan, Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, California and Illinois.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she was chapter prioress for the Upper Midwest Mission Chapter, Hometown (1985-1991); administrator of the Regina Dominican Convent, Wilmette (1992-1993); campus minister at Marist High School (1993-1997); a grief minister at Parkside Chapel (1997-1999); a volunteer at Little Company of Mary Hospital, Evergreen Park (2001-2008); and a minister of care in Oak Lawn (2008-2016).

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Ann (Michaud) O’Hara, 89, died Feb. 2 in Hazel Green, Wisconsin.

Born in Chicago, Sister Ann made her first religious profession as a Sinsinawa Dominican in 1950 and her perpetual profession in 1953. She taught for 38 years and served as a pastoral minister for 15 years. She served in Minnesota, Alabama, Wisconsin and Illinois.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Ann served as pastoral minister at Resurrection Life Center (1997-2004).

BVM Sister Joan (Magdaletta) Stritesky, 91, died Feb. 18 in Dubuque, Iowa.

Born in Chicago, she entered the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1946, from Mary Queen of Heaven Parish, Cicero. She professed first vows in 1949 and final vows in 1954.

She taught religious education at St. Celestine, Elmwood Park. She was a teacher and principal in Iowa, Tennessee, Colorado, California and in other towns in Illinois. She was an educational consultant for the Diocese of Memphis, Tennessee, the director of elementary schools for the Archdiocese of Denver, and a counselor for the Family Life Office of the Diocese of Des Moines, Iowa. She served the congregation as coordinator of BVM Associate Program. She is survived by a sister, Shirley Boone.

Father William P. Welsh, 85, died Feb. 14. He was retired after serving most recently as associate pastor of St. Lambert Parish, Skokie.

Born in Chicago, Father Welsh attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary before being ordained in 1960.

After ordination, Welsh was assistant pastor of St. Francis Xavier, Wilmette; St. Sabina; St. Benedict (Irving Park Road) and St. Emily, Mount Prospect. He then served as associate pastor of St. Theresa, Palatine; Infant Jesus of Prague, Flossmoor and St. Lambert. After he retired in 2004, he served as chaplain for the Carmelite Sisters in Des Plaines.

Holy Family of Nazareth Sister M. Barbara Ann Nowosielski, 81, died Dec. 18 at Nazarethville in Des Plaines.

Born in Chicago, she attended St. John Cantius and Holy Family Academy. She entered religious life in 1956 and professed her final vows in 1965. She earned a bachelor’s degree from De Lourdes in Des Plaines and a master’s degree from the University of Dayton in Ohio.

She began serving in education ministry in 1960 at St. Andrew, Calumet City, then moved to Immaculate Heart of Mary. She spent 17 years serving as a teacher and principal in Texas schools. In 1982, she returned to Chicago and taught at St. Ann. In 1985, she began serving at St. Emily, Mount Prospect, where she would minister for 34 years.

Adorer of the Blood of Christ Sister Marian Russo, 76, died Feb. 1, in Ruma, Illinois.

Born in Philadelphia, she made her first profession of vows in 1968 and her final profession in 1973.

She taught at St. Jerome, and she taught elementary and high school in Pennsylvania. She also worked in the province offices there.

For several years, Sister Marian worked as an administrative assistant with the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Marriage Tribunal Office.

She is survived by her mother, Marian Alice Russo Steele; and her brother, Arthur Russo.