Loretto Sister Anne Michelle LaMarre, 88, died Nov. 28 in Kentucky.

Born in Kankakee, Illinois, she entered the Sisters of Loretto in 1946 and made final vows in 1952.

Sister Anne Michelle taught Catholic primary grades, kindergarten and preschool for six decades in Illinois, including more than 27 years at St. Paul of the Cross in Park Ridge, and in Missouri and Texas.

While teaching, Sister Anne Michelle became known to many of her students as Mother Goose, dressing the part when she read to her young charges. The most important thing in teaching little ones, she said, was to love each child, to let each child know that he or she was lovable and was loved.

At St. Paul of the Cross, she taught primary grades and preschool from 1982 to 2006. She spent three more years there as a teacher assistant and librarian.

Mercy Sister Norena Gawronski. 92, died April 7.

Born in Wisconsin, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in Des Plaines in 1942. She made her final vows in 1948.

For 30 years, she taught primary and secondary grades in Catholic schools across the Chicago and Milwaukee archdioceses. Her work also expanded into the arts; she played the piano and organ and she directed plays.

She also taught religious education at St. Clotilde and served as a pastoral minister for one year at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish.

She then ministered to the poor in West Virginia as a health aide. Sister Norena moved to Mercy Convent in Chicago in 2008.

Sister of Christian Charity M. Madeline (Martha Clara) Portner, 104, died on April 5 at Sacred Heart Convent, Wilmette.

Born in Minnesota, she entered the postulancy in 1935. She professed perpetual vows in 1943.

Sister M. Madeline taught elementary school in Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa and Louisiana before serving as librarian at St. Teresa School (1984-1990). She also served as a tutor at Josephinum Convent (1999-2001). She worked in the Sacred Heart Convent library in Wilmette (2001-2006) before retiring in 2007 from active ministry.

Mercy Sister Mary Marita Shaughnessy, 91, died March 15.

Born in Chicago, she attended St. Gabriel School and St. Patrick Academy in Des Plaines. She entered the Sisters of Mercy in Des Plaines in 1943.

She taught primary grades throughout the Chicago area from 1945 until the mid-1960s. After ministering in Wisconsin and McHenry, Illinois, she returned Chicago and served at Mother McAuley High School as a substitute teacher and support staff (1996-2006). From 2006 to 2011, she volunteered in development.

Sister of St. Joseph-Third Order of St. Francis Dolores Mary (Aurelia) Koza, 89, died Nov. 27.

She was a teacher, director of novices, provincial of SSJ TOSF, director of religious education and pastoral associate, and had been in religious life for 71 years. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she ministered at Lourdes High School, Immaculata Congregational Home, St. Leo the Great Parish and Our Lady of the Snows.

Sister Alice (Walter Marie) Wolski, 94, died Nov. 28 in Adrian, Michigan.

Sister Alice was born in Detroit and was in her 76th year of religious life.

Sister Alice ministered in Michigan, Illinois, Florida and Ohio. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at Queen of Angels (1941- 1948).

Sister of St. Joseph Margaret Ann White, 85, died Nov. 25.

She had been in religious life for 66 years.

Sister Margaret Ann was a teacher at Divine Infant, Westchester; St. Hugh, Lyons; St. Francis Xavier, LaGrange and Our Lady of Bethlehem, LaGrange. She was director of the learning center at St. Francis Xavier, La- Grange, and secretary to the development and alumni Office at Nazareth Academy. Sister Margaret Ann was also secretary of the Congregation of St. Joseph and secretary to the Comboni Fathers.

She is survived by her sister, Dominican Sister Colleen White.

Deacon Gene O’Hern, 73, and his wife, Carol O’Hern, 75, died Dec. 12 in a car accident in Gainesville, Florida.

Deacon O’Hern was ordained in 1999 and served at St. Thomas of Villanova Parish in Palatine. He and his wife moved to Rockledge, Florida, in 2003. He ministered at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Cocoa, Florida, where they were members. He also worked as finance director of St. Mary Parish in Rockledge.

Father William Sheridan, 90, died Dec. 9. For most of his priestly ministry, he was on the faculty of Quigley Preparatory Seminary North.

Born in Chicago, he attended St. Nicholas of Tolentine School, Mount Carmel High School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary North and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary before being ordained in 1954.

He also earned a master’s degree in classics the University of Notre Dame.

Father Sheridan served as assistant pastor at St. Bonaventure (1954-1957). He then began teaching at Quigley Preparatory Seminary North, while residing at St. Philip Neri Parish, and served as a professor, spiritual director and athletic director. He continued to teach until his retirement in 1995. Father Sheridan also remained a resident of St. Philip Neri Parish, serving the parish community until his passing.

In a 2011 interview with the Catholic New World, Father Sheridan reflected on the importance of his vocation, “I can say without a doubt, the greatest blessing of my life has been the gift of priesthood.”

BVM Sister Therese (Therese Emile) Miller, 87, died Nov. 23 in Dubuque, Iowa. Born in Iowa, she entered the BVM congregation in 1950 and professed final vows in 1957.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Therese taught at Blessed Sacrament, Holy Cross and St. Agatha. She served as BVM congregational employee and convent cook in Iowa. 

BVM Sister Veronica (Ita) Grennan, 103, died Nov. 22 in Dubuque, Iowa.

Born in Sterling, Illinois, she entered the BVM congregation in 1931 and professed final vows in 1939.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Veronica taught at St. Thomas of Canterbury; St. Odilo, Berwyn; and Mary Queen of Heaven, Cicero. She also ministered in Iowa, Oregon and elsewhere in Illinois.

She is survived by a sister, Mary Alice Butler.

Sister of St. Joseph Thomas Agnes (Margaret) King, 96, died Nov. 19.

She was in her 75th year of religious life.

Sr. Thomas Agnes served as a teacher at St. Francis Xavier, La- Grange; as principal and superior at St. Joseph Academy; and as a teacher at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Melrose Park; as principal at St. Bonaventure; as a teacher at Divine Infant, Westchester and St. Leonard, Berwyn; as assistant principal at St. John Fisher; and as pastoral assistant at St. Barbara, Brookfield.

Sister of Notre Dame de Namur Marguerite of the Sacred Heart Schoenung, 86, died Nov. 14 in Cincinnati.

Born in Cincinnati, she and her twin sister, Sister Frances Mary of the Sacred Heart Schoenung, Sister Marguerite finished high school and worked for three years to help ease the family’s financial burden before joining the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1951.

Sister Marguerite taught every level from kindergarten through 8th grade at schools in Ohio and Illinois. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Robert Bellarmine (1954-1958).

Sister Marguerite is survived by her sisters, Sister Frances Mary Schoenung, SNDdeN, and Julie Reese; her brothers, Jerry and Joseph Schoenung; and many nieces and nephews.

Sister Mary Esther (Francis Gertrude) Lane, 101, died Nov. 19 in St. Mary-of-the- Woods, Indiana.

Born in Indiana, she entered the Sisters of Providence in 1933 and professed final vows in 1942.

Sister Mary Esther ministered as teacher for 43 years in schools in Indiana, California and Illinois before serving on the staff of several retreat centers and parishes.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Sylvester (1936- 1938); St. Angela, (1938-1940, 1941); St. Agnes (1942-1945) and St. Mark (1961- 1963).

Divine Word Father Charles Schneider, 97, who served as a missionary in Ghana for more than half a century, died in Techny on Sunday, Nov. 6.

Born in Buffalo, New York, he entered the Divine Word seminary at age 13.

He professed vows in 1941, was ordained to the priesthood in 1946 and assigned to the missions in West Africa in 1948.

During his 55 years in Ghana, he was pastor, provided spiritual formation for students, was a bursar and seminary rector, and served as regional superior for his congregation.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Alexis Searfoss, 93, died Oct. 30, in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin.

Born in Chicago, Sister Alexis made her first religious profession in 1943 and her final profession in 1946. She ministered in education and pastoral ministry in Wisconsin, Illinois and New Jersey.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Alexis taught at SS. Faith, Hope, and Charity, Winnetka (1949-1957) and St. Thomas More (1963-1966).

Mercy Sister Anne Marie (Bernice, Mary Bertina) Doran, 89, died in Chicago Oct. 25. Born in Chicago, she worked for the Sisters of Mercy while attending Mercy High School, and she entered the community in 1946.

Until 1971, she taught in Catholic grade schools in Chicago and Park Ridge, as well as other areas of Illinois and Wisconsin.

She left teaching to pursue a ministry in health care, and worked as a licensed practical nurse for almost 30 years in what is now known as Presence Health in Aurora, Illinois.

She is survived by siblings Margaret Hastings, Barbara J. Novotny and Richard Doran.

Sister of St. Casimir Ann Mary Cizikas, 91, died Oct. 17 at Mother Theresa Home in Lemont.

A native of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Sister Ann entered the Sisters of St. Casimir in 1945 and made her final vows in 1953.

She ministered in schools and health care facilities in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Nebraska.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she served at Our Lady of Vilna School (1959-1962), Providence of God School (1962-1964), St. Casimir School, Chicago Heights (1967-1970), St. Anthony School, Cicero (1970-1972), Loretto Hospital (1978-1983), and the infirmary of the Sisters of St. Casimir (1983-1987).

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Juliana Amenda, 94, died Oct. 10 in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin.

Born in Wisconsin, Sister Juliana made her first religious profession in 1954 and her final profession in 1957. She taught and ministered as a physical therapist in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Juliana taught at St. Thomas More (1954-1957).

Deacon James Davis, 90, of Forest Park, died Nov. 9. He was ordained in 1979 and was retired from minsitering at St. Martin de Porres Parish.

He was born in North Carolina and served two years in the U.S. Army. He married his late wife, Fannie Knox, in 1944. The couple were married for 59 years.

Deacon Davis worked as an officer in the Illinois State Police for 25 years. In 1963, he was baptized Catholic. He sent his children to Catholic schools and was among the first black permanent deacons ordained in the archdiocese.

In retirement, Deacon Davis ministered as a chaplain at Mercy, Cook County and Loretto hospitals and worked as a certified addictions counselor in the community.

Deacon Davis is survived by his children Portia Shaw, Gail Davis and Kevin Davis; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Deacon J. Brendan Foley, 85, died Nov. 8 at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights. He was ordained in 1989 and served at Our Lady of the Wayside Parish in Arlington Heights.

Born in New Jersey, Deacon Foley served in the Army during the Korean War, graduated from Seton Hall University and was a sales representative for the DuPont and Day-Glo companies.

His greatest enjoyment for the last 30 years was decorating his yard for Halloween.

He is survived by his children Elizabeth Foley-Roland and Brendan “BJ” Foley and his brothers Quentin and Brian Foley.

Father Patrick Cecil, 64, died Nov. 14 at Skokie Hospital. Father Cecil was pastor of St. Mary of the Woods Parish.

Father Pat, as he was known, was born in Chicago and attended St. John Brebeuf School in Niles and St. Joseph School in Elgin, Illinois, before entering Quigley Preparatory Seminary, and later Niles College Seminary at Loyola University Chicago, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in theater. He graduated from the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary and was ordained in 1978.

He served as associate pastor of St. Angela (1978-1984); St. Zachary, Des Plaines (1984-1991); and St. Mary, Buffalo Grove (1992-1996). He was pastor of St. Patrick, Wadsworth (1996-2010) before being named pastor of St. Mary of the Woods.

Father Cecil was a dean in Vicariates I and II and a member of the archdiocesan Priests’ Placement Board.

Father Cecil is survived by his brothers Jim and Bill, and his sisters Janice and Diane.

Adrian Dominican Sister Renee (Lois Janette, Januaria) Richie, 82, died Sept. 23 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Born in Detroit, she was in the 63rd year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sister Renee ministered in Illinois for 30 years. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Carthage (1954-1961); Queen of Apostles, River dale (1965-1966); St. Denis (1966-1969); and St. Joseph, Homewood (1969-1970). She was principal at St. Clare of Montefalco (1970-1975) and St. James, Maywood (1980-1989) and she was a pastoral minister at St. Agatha (1975-1980).

She is survived by a brother, Owen Richie.

Felician Sister Mary Martin (Theodosia) Kilianski, 85, died Sept. 23 in Our Lady of the Angels Convent.

Born in Poland, she later relocated to Chicago where she entered the Felician Sisters postulancy in 1950 and professed her final vows in 1958. She ministered in elementary schools as a teacher in Illinois, Alabama and Wisconsin. She also ministered at St. Andrew Life Center in Niles, as well as in France and Rome.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she ministered at St. Andrew Life Center, Niles (1952-1955, 1972-1976, 1987-2006), Holy Innocents (1955-1957), St. Helen (1957- 1958), SS. Peter and Paul (1960-1961), St. Bruno (1961-1963), St. Turibius (1963- 1966) and the cardinal’s residence (1984- 1986).

Divine Word Brother James Mullen, 80, a jack-of-all trades and lifelong learner, died Sept. 5 in Techny.

Born in Pennsylvania, he entered Divine Word seminary in 1950 and later transferred to the Divine Word Brother Candidate School. He professed religious vows in 1956.

He ministered in New York, in Papua New Guinea and for 14 years in Italy, working as a draftsman in the Divine Word Architectural Department at the society’s worldwide headquarters.

Based in New Jersey for the past 25 years, Brother Jim was known among immigrants and the marginalized in Trenton for his work with Catholic Charities, Martin House Learning Center and the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK). He retired to Techny earlier this year.

He is survived by his siblings Maureen Mullen, Meg Kessler, Kathy Niemic and Gerard Mullen.

Adrian Dominican Sister Rosemary (James Maureen) Conlon, 90, died June 15 in Adrian, Michigan.

Born in Chicago, she graduated from Mercy High School before entering religious life. She was in the 71st year of her religious profession.

She ministered in education and as a hospital chaplain and pastoral associate in Michigan, Illinois and Florida.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Rosemary was a reading consultant for the Chicago School Board (1959-1963); a teacher at Santa Maria del Popolo, Mundelein (1963-1964); St. Nicholas of Tolentine (1964-1968); and Our Lady of Loretto, Hometown (1968-1970); a language arts consultant at the Chicago School Board (1970-1974); a chaplain at St. Joseph Hospital (1984-1988); and a pastoral associate at St. Mary, Evanston (1988-1994).

Deacon Sabino Sanchez, 64, died Oct. 24. He as ordained in 1997 and served at St. Francis of Assisi Parish (Roosevelt Road).

Born in Mexico, Deacon Sanchez had lived in Chicago since 1980. He had been disabled and unable to work, but he liked being a deacon “because he liked helping people. Any time of the day or night, if someone called an needed help, he would go,” said his daughter, Lizet Arredondo.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Marina, and daughters Lizet, Jenny and Lisma.

Deacon Terry Albano, 62, died Oct. 13. He was ordained in 1999 and served at Our Lady of the Ridge Parish.

In addition to serving as deacon, he was the troop chaplain for Chicago Ridge Boy Scout Troop 665.

He is survived by his wife, Helene; children David, Christopher, Peter, Matthew and Mary Albano, and five grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Anthony and Thomas Albano.

Mercy Sister Benedicta McCorry, 98, died Sept. 21 at Mercy Circle.

She was born in Milwaukee and she entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1936.

Sister Benedicta spent 21 years as an educator and an administrator at Catholic schools in Chicago and Milwaukee. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Justin Martyr (1939) and St. Joachim (1939-1941) and then was principal at St. Finbarr (1953-1957) and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel (1957-1960).

She then served on the Provincial Council of Sisters of Mercy Chicago Province for 16 years, from 1960 to 1970, and again from 1973 to 1979 serving as Provincial Secretary.

She then served as director of the Carmel Prayer Center in Chicago (1979-1993).

She is survived by her siblings, Mercy Sister Aquinice McCorry, Teresa Jonas, Daniel McCorry and Mary Mullins.

Sister of St. Joseph Agnes Therese Zaroski, 85, died Sept. 19.

She was in her 64th year of religious life.

Sister Agnes taught at St. John Fisher and St. Hugh, Lyons, and was principal at St. Francis Xavier, LaGrange. She was religious education coordinator at Divine Infant, Westchester, and St. Thomas of Villanova, Palatine.

She is survived by her siblings, Roland Zaroski, and her sisters Jeanette Courtis and Florence Bettis.

Adrian Dominican Sister Janet Michael (Peggy Joan) Hudspeth, 84, died Sept. 18 in Adrian, Michigan.

Born in Petersburg, Illinois, she was in the 65th year of her religious life.

Sister Janet Michael ministered in Michigan, Illinois and Iowa in education, hospital chaplaincy and administration.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Albert, Burbank (1963-1965).

Sister Janet Michael is survived by a sister and brother, Janet and David Hudspeth.

Sister of the Resurrection Mary Paul (Therese) Schultz, 88, died Sept. 13.

Born in Minnesota, she entered the Sisters of the Resurrection in 1946.

Sister M. Paul was an emergency room nurse, director of nursing associate administrator and mission representative at Resurrection Medical Center.

She helped create Resurrection Retirement Community and served as its executive director for 21 years, and she served as the local superior for the Sisters of the Resurrection for almost 16 years.

She is survived by her brothers Raphael and Jim, and her sisters Margaret and Resurrection Sister Maria Schultz.

Felician Sister Mary Gloriette (Stella) Kawalko, 95, died Sept. 7 In Our Lady of the Angels.

Born in Chicago, she attended Good Counsel High School, entered the Felician Sisters postulancy in 1939 and professed final vows in 1947.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she ministered at St. Helen (1941-1942, 1960-1961); St. Joseph (1942-1960, 1964-1965, 1990-2000); St. Linus, Oak Lawn; (1961- 1963); St. Wenceslaus (1965-1979), and St. Hubert, Hoffman Estates (1979-1990).

Adrian Dominican Sister Virginia Therese (Eleanor) Conway, 90, died Sept. 10 in Adrian, Michigan.

Born in Chicago, she graduated from Aquinas High School and she was in her 69th year of religious life.

In the archdiocese, she taught at St. Columbanus (1948-1952), did social service (1952- 1955) and social work (1966-1967) at St. Matthew, assisted at Aquinas High School (1955-1957, 1967- 1970); did substance abuse ministry at Catholic Charities (1970- 1971); was a doctor’s assistant at the BVM Scholasticate (1971-1972); was a receptionist at Wright Hall (1972-1973); was chaplain at St. Francis Hospital, Blue Island (1976- 2003) and was a patient liaison at Oak Tree Health Care, Oak Forest (2003-2005).

Adrian Dominican Sister Patricia (Leo Ann) Dillon, 88, died Sept. 6 in Adrian, Michigan.

Born in Michigan, she was in her 70th year of religious life.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught for five years at Regina Dominican High School, Wilmette.

BVM Sister Jane (Bonaventure) Mc- Donnell, 95, died Aug. 30 in Dubuque, Iowa.

Born in Iowa, she entered the BVM congregation in 1943 and professed final vows in 1951.

Sister Jane taught at The Immaculata and served as coordinator for an ecumenical peace and justice organization.

She also ministered in Iowa, California and North Dakota.

Adrian Dominican Sister Audrey (Raymond Clare) Hull, 93, died Aug. 28 in Adrian, Michigan.

Born in Miami, she was in the 68th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

She spent 27 years ministering in education in Oak Park as well as in Michigan, Florida and Guayama, Puerto Rico.

Mercy Sister Maureen Scott, 74, died Aug. 24.

She attended St. Clotilde School and Mercy High School before entering the Sisters of Mercy in 1959. She professed final vows in 1967.

She taught at St. Joseph, Libertyville; St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Ethelreda and Siena High School.

After earning a doctorate in social psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, she taught and was an administrator at Barat College, Lake Forest (1975-1984) at Saint Xavier College (1984-1994) and DePaul University (1996-2012), where she was visiting professor and assistant director of the graduate School of Public Services.

Sister Ann Kevin (Theresa Ann) O’Connor, 91, died Aug. 24 in St. Mary-of-the- Woods, Indiana.

Born in Summit, she entered the Sisters of Providence in 1943 and professed final vows in 1951. She ministered in education and as clerk and in record-keeping.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Genevieve (1955- 1960); Maternity BVM, (1964-1966); and Trinity High School, River Forest (1991-1994).

She is survived by a brother, Maurice.

Divine Word Father August “Gus” Langenkamp, 87, died Aug. 23 in Techny.

Born in Ohio, he professed vows in 1949 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1957.

He was one of the first Divine Word missionaries to work in Ecuador, starting in the Diocese of Guaranda, where he was one of 14 priests ministering to 130,000 Catholics in a 1,200- square-mile area.

He is survived by his brother, Father Arnold Lang.

Deacon Norbert Lesnieski, 88, of Lemont, died Sept. 23. He was ordained in 1972 as a member of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s fist class of permanent deacons, and he served at SS. Cyril & Methodius Parish for 44 years.

Deacon Lesnieski was founder and bandleader of “The Mello- Tones,” and he was the band’s lead vocalist and saxophone player. He was a co-founder of the Lemont Park District and served as president of the Lemont Park District Board for over 35 years, and he was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was also an active member of the Jaycees.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jerri; his children James Lesnieski and Suzette Sniegowski; grandchildren Anne Becker, Christina Strehlau, Michael Lesnieski, Josh Sniegowski and Aubrey Sands; and three great-grandchildren.

Deacon Michael Romano, 100, died Sept. 16 at Resurrection Hospital. He was ordained a deacon in 1974.

He served at St. Genevieve Parish for about 15 years. From the late 1980s until his retirement in 2013, he served as a minister in several hospitals. His most recent assignment was to St. Joseph Hospital.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Lois, and his sister, Phyllis Romano.

Deacon Roberto Rivas, 57, died Sept. 11.

Deacon Rivas was ordained in 1994 and served at Blessed Sacrament Parish. In 2000, he and his wife, Ana, started Camino y Esperanza, a pastoral ministry for marriages and families.

He is survived by his wife and children, Roberto Jr., Jessica Eileen and Ricardo Rivas.

Divine Word Father Donald Ehr, 87, a beloved parish priest in African-American parishes in Chicago, died Aug. 19 in Techny.

Born in Iowa, he entered the Divine Word high school seminary in East Troy, Wisconsin in 1943 at age 14. He professed religious vows in 1948 and was ordained in 1955. He was sent to Rome to complete a doctorate in systematic theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University. When he returned to the United States in 1960, he served as professor of dogma at St. Mary Seminary in Techny.

In 1968, he was elected provincial superior of the Society of the Divine Word’s Eastern Province and served three three-year terms. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Father Ehr was rector of Divine Word Seminary in Washington, D.C. and Bordentown, N.J., while also working as a hospital chaplain.

He was named pastor of Chicago’s St. Elizabeth Parish in 1984 and remained until 2000. He then was a priest-in-residence at St. Anselm Parish until the week before he died.

He is survived by three brothers, Ronald, Irvin and Francis Ehr, and two sisters, Mary Vogel and Marlene Chaudoir.

BVM Sister Mary Jamesita Keller, 80, died Aug. 15 in Dubuque, Iowa.

Born in Joliet, Illinois, she entered the BVM congregation in 1954 and professed first vows in 1961.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Mary Jamesita taught elementary school at St. Thomas of Canterbury, St. Eugene and St. Joseph, Round Lake.

She is survived by a brother, James Keller.

Sister of the Living Word Laurita (Virginia) Saunders, 96, died Aug. 9 at Presence Resurrection Life Center in Chicago.

Born in Massachusetts, she moved to Chicago with her family. She graduated from Wilmette Mallinckrodt High School in 1939 and joined the Sisters of Christian Charity. She made her final vows in 1948.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Laurita taught at St. Raphael (1954-1959) and St. Theresa, Palatine (1968-1975).

After 27 years as a Sister of Christian Charity, Sister Laurita joined 89 other sisters to form the new Sisters of the Living Word. She served as director of religious education and adult education at Sacred Heart, Palos Hills (1975-1976); St. Ita (1976-1978) and St. Joseph the Worker, Wheeling (1978-1983). She then ministered at St. Mary, Evanston (1984-1986) and taught math at Pope John XXIII School, Evanston (1986-1987).

In 1988, she started her ministry as hospitality coordinator at the Living Word Center in Arlington Heights.

Divine Word Father Patrick Fincutter, 88, a longtime missionary in Papua New Guinea, died in Techny July 19.

Over the course of 40 years, Father Fincutter served the people of the world’s second largest island nation as priest, pilot, mechanic and professional communicator.

Born in Libertyville, Father Fincutter said he knew from the time he was a child that he wanted to be a pilot and a priest. Eventually, he chose the priesthood and only later learned that the Divine Word Missionaries relied on air travel in New Guinea and had founded a transportation hub called Wirui Air Services.

He professed vows at Techny in 1948 and in 1955 was ordained to the priesthood.

In 1961, he fulfilled his lifelong dream. For nine years, he flew Cessna 180s and Dornier Do 27s as a mission pilot, fulfilling assignments that included medical emergency flights and supply deliveries.

In 2001, he returned to the United States. He moved to Techny in 2013.

He is survived by two brothers, Robert Fincutter and Divine Word Father John Fincutter, SVD.

Deacon William J. Reinert, 82, died Aug. 27 at Lutheran Home & Services, Arlington Heights. He was 82 years old and had served at St. Raymond Parish, Mount Prospect, and St. James Parish, Arlington Heights.

Born in Chicago, he graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1957. He worked for with Northshore and WE Energies before spending 37 years at Peoples Gas.

Deacon Reinert was a 4th Degree member and Past Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus, Holy Rosary Council #4483 and the Elizabeth Ann Seton Assembly.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joan; his children William Reinert, Patricia Julian and Robert Reinert; his grandchildren Samuel, Joseph, Elizabeth and Alyssa; and his brother, John Reinert.

Holy Cross Father Edwin J. Kadzielawski, 94, died April 27 in Notre Dame, Indiana.

Father Kadzielawski was in Chicago and graduated Holy Trinity High School before being received into the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1941. He made his final profession of vows in 1945 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1949.

He served in parishes and schools in Louisiana, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota and Texas.

In the archdiocese, he assisted at Holy Trinity Church from 1954 to 1956.

He is survived by his brother, Leonard.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Diona McNichols, 86, died Aug. 17 in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin.

A Chicago native, Sister Diona made her first religious profession in 1956 and her final profession in 1959. She taught for 29 years and served as associate academic dean for 11 years and administrative assistant for eight years. Sister Diona served in Montana, Wisconsin and Illinois.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Diona served at Rosary College, now Dominican University, River Forest, as home economics teacher, 1965-1968, 1980-1991 and 1994-2000; associate academic dean, 1968-1979, when she also served as director of the summer school; and administrative assistant to the chancellor, 1991- 1994. She also ministered as receptionist at St. Luke Parish, River Forest, 2000-2005.

She is survived by a brother, William “Bill” McNichols.

Viatorian Father Edward Anderson, 94, died Aug. 14 in Las Vegas.

Father Anderson joined the Viatorians in 1944 after graduating from high school in Peeksville, New York. He professed perpetual vows in 1948 and was ordained in 1950.

He served in schools and parishes in New York, Illinois and Nevada. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, he was provincial of the Viatorians’ Chicago province from 1969 to 1974.

Sister of St. Joseph Adrienne Schmidt, 88, died Aug. 16. She had been a Sister of St. Joseph for 70 years.

Sister Adrienne was a teacher at Nazareth Academy, LaGrange Park; St. Leonard, Berwyn; and St. Francis Xavier, LaGrange, where she also served as principal. She was food service manager at the Cenacle in Warrenville, Illinois, and administrator and food service manager at the LaGrange Park Center.

Daughter of St. Mary of Providence Sister Gertrude Labarbera, 84, died Aug. 7.

Born in Fredonia, New York, she entered the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence in 1953.

She ministered in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Rome and Michigan, as well as in Illinois. In the archdiocese, she was principal of the school program at the St. Rose Center (1970-1971); was director of residential services and formator for junior sisters (1971-1975) and delegation superior (1982-1992) at St. Mary of Providence; and superior at Mount St. Joseph, Lake Zurich (2004- 2012). In 2016, she retired to Queen of Peace Retirement Center in Lake Zurich.

Mercy Sister Gwendolyn (Mary Catherine) Durkin, 91, died July 30. She had been a Sister of Mercy for nearly 67 years.

Born in Chicago, she graduated from the Academy of Our Lady, and in 1947, earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Saint Xavier College. She began her ministry at Catholic Charities for two years while attending graduate school.

After two years as a social worker and eight years as director of Mercy Clinics, Sister Gwendolyn became administrator/ chief executive officer of Mercy Hospital in 1963. She led what was then a 350-bed hospital, and helped plan and build the new Mercy Hospital and Medical Center that opened in 1968.

Just three weeks after being named CEO, Sister Gwendolyn was faced with a fire that broke out at the hospital. They safely evacuated 160 patients and had the fire under control before the fire department arrived. In the Daily Southtown, Sister Gwendolyn was quoted later as saying, “When I got through that, I realized I could get through anything.”

She would be tested again in 1967 when a major snow storm hit Chicago stranding thousands. The hospital opened its doors, providing shelter for some 250 who had made their way there.

According to Mercy Sister Susan Butters, to help feed the guests, she and Sister Gwendolyn went out into the street and brought back bread from several stalled bread trucks. “We met the driver of one of the trucks in our auditorium,” she said.

After 15 years with Mercy Hospital, she filled a variety of roles. From 1969 to 1970, she was a supervisor for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. After serving a brief time as a staff advisor for the Sisters of Mercy-Chicago Province, she was assistant administrator at Misericordia Home for a year.

From 1972 to 1976, she was director of outpatient services and then assistant administrator for Holy Cross Hospital, sponsored by the Sisters of St. Casimir.

Sister Gwendolyn returned to Mercy Hospital as vice president of human resources and general administration from 1976 to 1992. In 1994 she served as cochief executive officer for one year.

Deacon Benito Centeno, 88, died July 30, in Pompano Beach, Florida. He was ordained in 1972 and served at St. Francis of Assisi Parish for 25 years and St. Genevieve Parish for eight years.

He and his late wife, Magda, were involved in PreCana classes, baptism preparation and visiting the sick of their parishes. He retired from active diaconal service in 2003 with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition to his ministry, he worked for more than 25 years at John Crane Packing Company and was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps who served in the Korean War.

He is survived by his six children, Maria, Jaime, Sylvia, Jose, Angel, Luis and Pedro; 13 grandchildren; 10 greatgrandchildren; and two brothers, Juan and Pedro.

Father James (Pat) F. Galivan, 70, died Aug. 8.

Born in Chicago, he attended Our Lady of Good Counsel School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary and Kelly High School before earning a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Chicago and continuing his seminary studies at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. He was ordained in 1981.

He served as associate pastor of Our Lady of Charity, Cicero (1981-1983); Holy Trinity (1983-1989); St. Cletus, La Grange (1989-1992); St. Hugh, Lyons (1992-1999); and St. Christopher, Midlothian (1999).

In addition to his parochial roles, Father Galivan also held the position of Chaplain to the Catholic Alumni Club of Chicago (1985). He recently retired from ministry for health reasons.

Father Galivan is survived by a sister, Carol Becker.

Msgr. John Peter McNamara, 85, died Aug. 9 at Holy Family Villa in Palos Park. He was pastor emeritus of St. Theresa, Palatine.

Born in Chicago’s St. Kilian Parish, he attended St. Carthage School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. He was ordained in 1956.

He served as assistant pastor of Holy Name Cathedral (1956- 1963), St. Bride (1963- 1968), St. Helena of the Cross (1968-1970) and Divine Providence, Westchester (1975- 1979). He was pastor at St. Bernard (1970- 1975), St. Symphorosa (1980-1991); and St. Theresa, Palatine (1992-2001). He was named pastor emeritus of St. Theresa when he retired in 2001.

Retired Auxiliary Bishop Raymond Goedert noted that Msgr. McNamara’s was one of the first residents of the Bishop Timothy J. Lyne Residence for Retired Priests in Palos Park. He said, “A noteworthy fact is the care Msgr. McNamara’s showed his brother priests at the Bishop Lyne Home. He was among the first group who went there when it opened and he became the primary person to oversee the program. Msgr. McNamara remained very dedicated to that program until the end.”

Msgr. McNamara is survived by a sister, Nancy Grant.

Ukrainian Catholic Bishop Richard Stephen Seminack, 74, died Aug. 16 at Alden Poplar Creek Rehabilitation Center in Hoffman Estates. He had been eparch of the St Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy in Chicago since 2003 and was a priest for 49 years.

He was born in Philadelphia, a grandson of immigrants from Ukraine and the oldest of seven children. He attended Catholic elementary and high schools before transferring to the Ukrainian Catholic St. Basil's Seminary Preparatory High School, Stamford, Connecticut in his senior year. After graduating from St. Basil's College in 1963, he attended the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C where his major was Eastern and Western canon law. He was ordained by Metropolitan Archbishop Ambrose Senyshyn for the Archeparchy of Philadelphia in 1967. He also earned a degree in Eastern canon law from the Oriental Instute in Rome.

He served several Pennsylvania parishes and held several chaplaincies in Pennsylvania. In addition, he trained for and became a commissioned officer (Lieutenant) in the United States Navy Chaplain Corps in August, 1979. He also served for two years in Miami.

He was enthroned as fourth Eparch of St Nicholas Eparchy in Chicago on June 4, 2003, overseeing territory that extends from Michigan and Indiana west across the United States. The eparchy has about 45 parishes and missions in four time zones.

The first part of the funeral for a hierarch services are to be celebrated at St Nicholas Cathedral Aug. 21 and 22, with Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka of Philadelphia and a number of other bishops of Eastern and Western Catholic churches participating. The second part of a hierarch’s funeral will be in the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Philadelphia, Aug. 26, with burial in the Seminack family plot in St Mary’s Cemetery, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.

Sister Mary Jane (Marie William) Schallert, 93, died July 21 in Adrian, Michigan.

Born in Detroit, she was in the 74th year of her religious profession. Sister Mary Jane ministered in elementary and secondary education in Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Matthew (1942-1944), Queen of Angels (1944 -1945) and St. Nicholas of Tolentine (1945-1947).

Franciscan Sister of Chicago M. Andrea (Hedwig Clara) Puchalski, 95, died July 17

Born in New York state, she went to school in Cleveland, Ohio and encountered the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago when she was 7 years old, and she entered the congregation in 1934 at the age of 13. She professed her perpetual vows in 1944.

Sister M. Andrea served as a licensed practical Nurse, an Xray technician and a laboratory technician in various places. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she served as a sacristan at St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyrs in Chicago, at St. Joseph Home, and at Mother Theresa Home in Lemont. In 2004, Sister M. Andrea returned to Our Lady of Victory convent and became manager of the gift ship manager of the convent gift shop, a position she held until she retired in 2012.

Deacon James Temple, 80, died July 27. He was ordained in 1984 and served at St. Barnabas Parish.

He was proud of having baptized all six of his grandchildren, according to family members.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; children Celine Walsh, Joan Holowaty and Jim Temple; his six grandchildren; and his sister, Connie Larsen

Deacon Mitchell Szady, 97, died July 24. He was ordained in 1979 and served for more than 27 years at St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Church before retiring in 2006.

Deacon Szady was a long-time chaplain at Mercy Hospital. He and his late wife, Florence, were mentors to many deacons during their formation. He worked as a medical laboratory administrator for 25 years at Rush- Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Hospital. He was a veteran of World War II, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, taught Polish classes and was a Silver Beaver Award winner with the Boy Scouts.

Deacon Szady is survived by his sons, Mitchell and Patrick, five grandchildren and six grandchildren.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Frances Therese (Mary Daniel) Murray, 102, died July 9 in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin.

Born in Chicago, Sister Frances Therese made her first religious profession in 1941 and her final profession in 1944. She ministered in education for 45 years, as a hospital chaplain for eight years, and in various roles for her congregation for 11 years. Sister Frances Therese served in Illinois, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, Wyoming and Minnesota.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Frances Therese taught at St. Patrick, Lemont (1941), and St. Thomas the Apostle (1953-1958), where she was also principal (1965-1967). She served as guidance counselor at Queen of Peace High School, Burbank (1976-1977); prioress of Queen of Peace Ministry Center, Burbank, (1985-1986); in the computer lab (1991-1994) and library (1994-1995) at Trinity High School, River Forest; and as a volunteer at Dominican University, River Forest (1995-2000).

Mercy Sister Conleth Foley, 82, died July 2.

Born and raised in Chicago, she was a graduate of Saint Xavier Academy.

She entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1952 and taught at nine schools in Chicago and one in Wisconsin. Among her school assignments were acting as principal at Sts. Cyril & Methodius School and St. Clare of Montefalco. She also served for six years as director of volunteers at Mercy Healthcare and Rehab Center in Homewood.

She then worked as a manager and administrator at Mercy Residence, an independent living facility in Olympia Fields, where she served from 1988 until its closure in 2004.

She is survived by her brother Gene.

School Sister of St. Joseph-Third Order of St. Francis Veronette Dzieginski, 101, died June 30.

She entered religious life in 1932 at the age of 17 and had 83 years in the religious community. She taught kindergarten for 47 years and religious education to primary classes for 10 years.

She is survived by siblings.

Deacon William Dunn Jr., 73, died July 8 in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. He was ordained in 1988 and served at Santa Maria del Popolo Parish in Mundelein before moving to Elkhorn.

He ministered at St. Patrick Parish in Elkhorn from 2004 to 2009, when he retired.

Deacon Dunn was an Eagle Scout. He held a variety of jobs, serving as a police officer for a time, managing stores, and working as a financial adviser and selling life insurance. He was very committed to his diaconal ministry, according to his wife of 26 years, Linda.

He is survived by his wife, two sons, William Francis Dunn III and Mitchell Laurence Dunn; seven grandchildren; and his siblings, Nancy, Suzanne, Yvonne Thomas and Ron.

Deacon Kozloski, a member of the Class of 1992, died on June 28 in South Dakota.

Deacon Kozloski ministered at St. Matthew Parish, Schaumburg, before retiring in 2009.

In recent years, he and his wife, Ann Marie, had been traveling the country in their RV. They were on the road in South Dakota when Deacon Kozloski fell ill a few weeks before his death.

His immediate family gathered in South Dakota for a funeral Mass.

Deacon George Fitterer, 87, died June 28 in Evergreen, Colorado. He was ordained in 1975 and served at the Ford City Catholic Center until he moved to the Archdiocese of DenHe served in Evergreen Park at Christ the King Parish, and he also ministered at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Denver and various assisted living facilities.

Born in Chicago, he grew up in St. Kilian Parish and worked for Sears, eventually becoming a store manager. He also served three years in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea, and took a job in the pro shop at Westgate Country Club.

He served the Archdiocese of Denver for over 40 years.

After being ordained a deacon he served as a night chaplain at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn in addition to his ministry at Ford City.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Arlene; his children, Rita Catherine, George Michael, John Anthony and Jean Marie; and six grandchildren.

Little Company of Mary Sister Kathleen Scott, 74, died April 6 at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park.

She was born in Youngstown, Ohio, and was nurse for many years at Little Company of Mary Hospital.

She then became director of religious education and pastoral associate at St. Clare of Montefalco parish. Her most recent assignment was as the parish nurse at St. Joseph, Homewood.

BVM Sister Eva Sheehan, 98, died April 1 in Dubuque, Iowa.

Born in Ireland, she entered the BVM congregation in 1937 and professed final vows in 1945.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Eva taught first and second grade at St. Charles and Annunciation in Chicago and St. Eulalia in Maywood. She also taught elementary school in Iowa, Wyoming, New York, Hawaii, South Dakota, Missouri and California.

She is survived by a sister, Margaret Kotlanger.

Viatorian Brother Leo V. Ryan, 89, died June 22 at the Moorings of Arlington Heights Rehabilitation Center.

Born in Iowa, he served in the U.S. Army in 1945 and 1946 before earning a bachelor’s degree in business from Marquette University. He went on to earn an MBA from DePaul University and a doctorate in management and educational administration from St. Louis University.

He pronounced his first vows as a Viatorian in 1950 and made his final vows in 1955.

He served in a variety of positions in high schools in Springfield and Peoria, Illinois, and at St. Louis and Marquette universities.

He was chairman of the Department of Management in Loyola University Chicago’s College of Business Administration in 1965, then spent 1966 as the deputy director and administrative office for the U.S. Peace Corps in Nigeria.

He served the Viatorians as member of the General Council in Rome and then as director of education for the Province of Chicago before being named the first president of St. Viator High School, Arlington Heights (1972-1974).

He then was named dean of the College of Business Administration at the University of Notre Dame (1975-1980) and dean of the College of Commerce and the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business at DePaul University (1980-1988).

From 1991 to 2001, he lectured at universities in Finland and Poland, and he moved into the Viatorian retirement residence in Arlington Heights in 1999. He served as chairman of the province’s Querbes Commission from 2001-2009.

He is survived by a sister, Elizabeth Hart.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Julie Coyne (Mary Novella), 84, died June 18 in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin.

Born in Chicago, Sister Julie made her first religious profession in 1952 and her final profession in 1955. She was an artist, taught for 46 years and served as principal for one year. Sister Julie served in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Julie taught at St. Philip the Apostle, Northfield (1957-1960); St. Thomas the Apostle (1969-1971); and St. Vincent Ferrer, River Forest (1972-1974).

She is survived by a sister, Mary Lee.

Adrian Dominican Sister Mary (Mary de Montfort) O’Connor, 84, died Feb. 5 in Adrian, Michigan.

Born in New Jersey, she was in the 67th year of her religious profession.

She spent 63 years ministering in education in Illinois, including serving as principal for three years at St. Columbanus School.

Viatorian Father Kenneth Yarno, 84, died June 8 in Arlington Heights.

Born in Watseka, Illinois, he entered the Clerics of St. Viator in 1950 and professed final vows in 1954. He was ordained in Chicago in 1959.

He was director of vocations for his congregation (1962-1968) before serving as teacher and assistant principal at St. Viator High School, Arlington Heights (1968-1973). He served in Kankakee, Springfield and St. George, Illinois, returning to the retirement residence at the Viatorian Province Center, Arlington Heights, after his retirement in 2010. He moved to Addolorata Villa, Wheeling, in 2013.

He is survived by his sister, Pauline Newquist.

BVM Sister Frances Eileen Dunne, 91, died May 26 in Dubuque, Iowa.

Born in Chicago, she entered the BVM congregation in 1943 from St. Peter Canisius Parish. She professed final vows in 1951.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Frances Eileen taught elementary school at St. Jerome, St. Charles, St. Vincent de Paul and St. Eulalia, Maywood, where she was also vice principal and served as secretary/treasurer. She taught elementary school in Iowa and South Dakota.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Margaret Mary “Peggy” (Marie Annette) Griffin, 89, died June 8.

Born in Iowa, she made her first religious profession in 1948 and her final profession in 1951. She was a teacher, a missionary, a parish minister and in congregational leadership and administration in Minnesota, Illinois, Montana, Wisconsin, California, New Mexico, Texas, Alaska and Washington, as well as Bolivia.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Peggy taught elementary school at St. Thomas the Apostle (1949-1954) and Epiphany (1955- 1957).

She is survived by a brother, Thomas Francis Griffin.

Deacon Peter Hajdu, 59, died June 6. He was ordained in 2014 and served at St. Emily, Mount Prospect.

He was maintenance manager at St. Emily. When he was ordained, he said he planned to focus his ministry on the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults and baptismal preparation.

He is survived by his wife, Melissa; two grown daughters, Stephanie Keadle and Samantha Fiegle; two grandchildren, Cooper and Carter Keadle; his mother, Elizabeth Hajdu; and his brother, Tom Hajdu.

Father Joseph Francis McDonnell, 88, died June 15. He was pastor emeritus of St. John of the Cross, Western Springs.

Born in Chicago, he attended Visitation and St. Brendan schools and Quigley Preparatory Seminary before graduating from the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary and being ordained to the priesthood in 1955.

Father McDonnell served as assistant pastor at Our Lady of Angels (1955-1962); St. Rene Goupil (1962- 1967); Our Lady of Grace (1967-1968); Assumption B.V.M. (California Avenue) (1968-1976); and St. Beatrice, Schiller Park (1976-1980). While at Our Lady of Grace, Father McDonnell also served as chaplain at Cook County Jail.

In 1980, Father McDonnell was named pastor of St. John of the Cross, and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1996.

Father David Dowdle, pastor of St. John of the Cross, said, “His first assignment at Our Lady of the Angels and the fire of 1958 impacted him greatly.” Father Mc- Donnell is remembered for his regular visits to the surviving children in the hospital, supporting their family members and encouraging the doctors and nurses.

“He cared for all children very deeply,” Dowdle said. “He always called children up around the altar at every Mass he celebrated and in honor of him, we had a statue commissioned and dedicated to him in the parish courtyard. It is a statue of Jesus with children around him.”

Sister of Christian Charity Irma (Catherine) Dreger, 97, died May 19 at Sacred Heart Convent, Wilmette.

Born in Chicago, she entered the postulancy in 1933, and was received into the novitiate the next year. She made her perpetual profession of vows in 1942. She taught elementary and high school in Michigan, Louisiana, Minnesota and Iowa in addition to Illinois. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Aloysius (1955-1956) and St. Gregory (1957- 1958, 1965-1969. She served as secretary (1969-1971) and teacher (1973-1974) at Josephinum, substitute superior and principal at St. Alphonsus, Prospect Heights (1971); worked in public relations at Mallinckrodt College (1971-1973). She moved to the motherhouse in Wilmette and continued to teach English at Mallinckrodt College, do community research and serve as annalist and telephone receptionist.

In 1999, Sister Irma returned to the Josephinum where she tutored in the SCC Literacy Program for the next six years. The year 2005, she moved to Sacred Heart Convent, where she continued to translate German obituary letters and wrote obituary letters for the Western Province. In 2006 she accepted the invitation to become assistant editor of the SVD Missionary Magazine, Divine Word.

Deacon Philip Ontiveros, 70, died June 3. He was ordained in 1993 and served at St. Julian Eymard, Elk Grove Village, and St. Marcelline, Schaumburg.

Deacon Ontiveros served as a medic in Vietnam and received a Purple Heart.

He worked for 26 years as a driver for UPS. At one time, his route included the archdiocese’s diaconate office in Forest Park.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn and his siblings Catherine and Daniel.

Deacon John Ficker, 86, died May 29. He was ordained in 1994 and served at St. George, Tinley Park.

Deacon Ficker was a member of one of the founding families of St. George and lived in the parish his whole life. He met his wife Alice at the church. The couple married in 1952.

As a young man, Deacon Ficker worked as a milkman for Vogt’s General Store. He was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the Korean War.

He and his wife prepared couples for marriage. As a deacon, he officiated at 50 weddings and baptized 500 babies, but he will be most remembered in the parish for the time he spent visiting the sick and taking the Eucharist to them in the hospital.

He is survived by his wife, his children John, Cathy, Larry, Barbara, Michael , Cindy and Daniel; 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Father Robert Behnke, 69, died June 4 at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park. He was a resident of St. Bede the Venerable Parish and former pastor of St. Barbara Parish.

Born in Chicago, Father Behnke attended St. Priscilla and St. Francis Borgia schools and Quigley Preparatory Seminary. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Niles College of Loyola University, and graduated from the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary before being ordained in 1973.

He served as associate pastor at St. Therese of the Infant Jesus (1973-1978); St. Mary Magdalene (1978- 1980); Queen of Martyrs, Evergreen Park (2000); and St. Thomas More (2000-2002). In 1980, Father Behnke was named administrator of Assumption BVM and served in that capacity until 1983, when he was named pastor. The parish eventually merged with St. Catherine of Genoa and Father Behnke remained there until 2000. During his time at Assumption BVM, he was administrator of SS. Peter and Paul Parish for almost three years. Father Behnke then served as pastor of St. Barbara (Throop Street) (2002-2006). From 2006 to 2016, Father Behnke was a resident of St. Thomas More and St. Bede the Venerable parishes.

Father Behnke is survived by a brother, David.

Father Philip Dressler, 80, died May 26 at St. Juliana Parish Rectory, where he was a resident and pastor emeritus.

Born in Chicago, Father Dressler attended St. Andrew School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary before being ordained in 1961.

Father Phil, as he was commonly called, was assistant pastor at St. Ita (1961-1965) and St. Anne, Barrington (1965-1972). He was pastor of Immaculate Conception (North Park Ave.) (1979-1985), Queen of Angels (1985-1995) and St. Juliana Parish (1995- 2005).

He also was administrator of St. Anne (1971); Our Lady Help of Christians (1974); St. Juliana (2005); Queen of the Rosary, Elk Grove Village (2007); and St. Mary of Perpetual Help (2008).

Father Dressler is survived by a brother, Joseph Dressler.

Adrian Dominican Sister Mary Declan (Geraldine) Foss, 95, died May 21 in Adrian, Michigan.

Born in Toledo, Ohio, she was in the 67th year of her religious profession.

Sister Mary Declan ministered mostly in education and as a recreational therapist in Michigan, Illinois, California, Ohio and Indiana.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught elementary school at St. Rita (1949-1950) and high school at Aquinas High School (1950-1952).

Providence Sister Michael Ellen (Dorothy Ellen) Green, 86, died May 15 in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

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

In her 65 years as a Sister of Providence, she ministered in housekeeping, hospitality and health care.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she ministered at St. Columbkille (1954) and St. Sylvester (1954-1958).

Sister Michael Ellen is survived by a sister, Joanne Broden.

BVM Sister Veronica J. (Timothena) Burke, 95, died May 11 in Dubuque, Iowa.

Born in San Francisco, she entered the BVM congregation in 1939 and professed final vows in 1947.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Veronica taught at St. Gertrude. She also served in Montana, California, Iowa and the Panama Canal Zone.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Margaret “Marge” (John Francis) Conroy, 84, died May 10 in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin.

Born in Chicago, Sister Marge made her first religious profession in 1951 and her final profession in 1954.

She taught for 50 years and served as an educational administrator and support staff. She served in Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Marge taught at St. Richard, (1969-1970); Epiphany (1970-1972); St. Giles, Oak Park (1973-1976); St. Barnabas (1980-1981); St. Vincent Ferrer, River Forest (1985-1992); and Queen of All Saints (1992-2007).

She served as support staff at Mercy Hospital (1972-1973), and as director of religious education and assistant principal at St. Joseph Parish and School, Homewood (1976-1980).

She is survived by a brother, Edmund Conroy.

Servite Sister M. Eugenia Tremblay, 94, died May 5 at Addolorat Village in Wheeling. Born in Wisconsin, she entered the Servants of Mary in 1937 and was professed in 1939.

She taught at the elementary, high school and college levels in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Domitilla, Hillside, and St. Philip the Apostle, Northbrook.

She was the youngest and last surviving of seven siblings, four of whom entered religious life.

Dr. Lucine H. Mastalerz, 66, died with her family around her on May 20.

A lifelong Catholic educator, Dr. Mastalerz began her career as a high school teacher and became a principal in 1988. She had be principal at St,, Ferdinand School for the past 12 years.

Classes at St. Ferdinand were cancelled May 27 for her funeral.

She is survived by her husband Stan, her children Irene Heidelbauer, Rudy and David, and six grandchildren. Two children, Peter and Angeline, preceded her in death.

Deacon Salvador Cornejo, 75, died April 14 in Romeoville, Illinois.

He ministered at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish until he retired 20 years ago, according to his daughter Guille.

Deacon Cornejo was born in Mexico, and married his wife, Teresa, there.

He first came to Chicago in 1967 and worked at Chicago Steel and Wire.

He is survived by his wife and his children Ismael, Ramiro, Guille, Salvador and Teresa. A daughter, Maribel, died as an infant.

BVM Sister Vincentia Kaeferstein, 102, died Jan. 13 in Dubuque, Iowa.

Born in Iowa, she entered the BVM congregation in 1931 and professed final vows in 1939.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Vincentia taught at St. Eulalia, Maywood, and St. Ferdinand. She also ministered in Wyoming and Iowa.

Claretian Father Wayne Schimmelmann, 66, died Jan. 12 at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Born in Virginia, Father Schimmelmann made his religious profession as a Claretian Missionary in 1981 and was ordained a priest in 1986.

He served in parishes, on college campuses and in hospitals in Missouri, New Jersey, Illinois and Georgia. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, he ministered at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish (1991-1992), St. Paul Parish (1996-1998) and University of Illinois Medical Center and Resurrection Hospital (1998-2004). He was a resident of Claretian houses in Chicago and Oak Park (2005-2015) before moving to Mercy Circle.

He is survived by his sisters, Donna Bourland, MaryAnne Massey and Joanne Griffin, and brothers Charles and Allen Schimmelmann.

Providence Sister Margaret (Bernard Maureen) Kelly, 80, died Jan. 15 in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

Born in Chicago, she entered the Sisters of Providence in 1957 and professed final vows in 1964.

She ministered as a teacher for 46 years in schools in Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina and Missouri, then cared for her sister and served as coordinator of the Chicago Providence Women.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she ministered at St. Francis Xavier, Wilmette (1964-1967); St. Angela, (1971-1979); Immaculate Conception (1979-1982); and Maternity BVM (1982-2007); and in service to her family in Chicago (2007-2014).

Sister Margaret is survived by three brothers, Ed, Mike and Jim Kelly.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Kathleen (Marie Winifred) O’Donnell, 93, died Jan. 10 in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin.

Born in Chicago, Sister Kathleen made her first religious profession in 1946 and her final profession in 1949. She was a teacher, principal, director of the Dominican Education Center, support staff member and pastoral associate. Sister Kathleen served in Oklahoma, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Alabama.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Kathleen served as secretary at Visitation School (1975-1981); Misericordia Home North (1983-1984); for the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation’s Eastern Province while based in River Forest (1992-1998); and at St. Luke Convent, River Forest (1999-2000).

Sister Caroline (Mary Caroline) Hatch, 90, died Jan. 9 in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

Born in Massachusetts, she entered the Sisters of Providence in 1946 and professed final vows in 1954. She ministered for 60 years in as a primary-grade teacher in schools in Illinois, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Angela (1949-1953), St. Agnes (1954) and St. Columbkille (1957-1962).

Sister of Notre Dame de Namur Nancy (Ann Christopher) Gnau, 86, died Jan. 8 in Cincinnati.

Born and raised in Ohio, she entered the community in 1948 and made her final vows in 1956. She taught in elementary schools in Ohio and then began a long career as a teacher and administrator in high schools in Columbus, Dayton and Chicago, including Notre Dame High School for Girls.

Sister Nancy is survived by two sisters, Norma and Mary.

Sister of the Living Word Agnes Martinka, 89, died Jan. 7.

Born in Minnesota, she entered religious life in 1946 and made her final profession as a Sister of Christian Charity in 1954. Sister Agnes was a founding member of the Sisters of the Living Word in 1975.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Agnes ministered as teacher or principal at St. Gregory; St. Martha, Morton Grove; St. Theresa, Palatine; and St. Isaac Jogues, Niles.

She is survived by her brothers, Robert and Jerome.

Adrian Dominican Sister Michael Claire (Barbara Lynn) Wilson, 83, died Dec. 25 in Adrian, Michigan.

A native of Detroit, she was in the 66th year of her religious profession.

Sister Michael Claire ministered in elementary and secondary education and pastoral ministry in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Arizona.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Michael Claire taught at St. Joseph School, Homewood (1951-1959).

She is survived by two sisters, Kathy Foster and Donna Wilson.

Sister of Notre Dame de Namur Noreen (Catherine Michael) Joyce, 83, died Dec. 20 in Cincinnati.

Born in Chicago, she entered the community in 1951 and made final vows in 1958.

Sister Noreen taught in primary and Montessori schools in Chicago and Rockford, Illinois, as well as in Ohio and Arizona. She also was involved in parish religious education.

Mercy Sister Anne Marie (Mary Bertina) Doran, 89, died Oct. 25 in Chicago.

Born and raised in Chicago, she attended Mercy High School before entering the community in 1946.

She taught in Catholic grade schools in Illinois and Wisconsin before pursuing ministry in health care. Upon becoming a licensed practical nurse, she worked full-time for almost 30 years at what is now known as Presence Health in Aurora, Illinois.