Sister of the Living Word Jean C. Krieter, 88, died Nov. 28, 2021.

Born in Evanston, Sister Jean attended St. Gregory and entered the Sisters of Christian Charity after high school. She received her bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Chicago and later went on to complete two master’s degrees.

Sister Jean taught elementary school in Iowa and Illinois, becoming a teacher in the Chicago archdiocesan deaf school program and an instructor of deaf education at Loyola and DePaul universities. She was dean of students and a teacher at Josephinum High School.

In the 1960s she was instrumental in the renewal of her province according to the Second Vatican Council direction. She later was a founding member of the Sisters of the Living Word and served as coordinator of community development. In her later years of ministry, she was head teacher for the Infant Welfare Society’s teen baby nursery in Evanston and ministered at the House of the Good Shepherd in Chicago.

Sister Jean is survived by her sister, Marion Radzik.

Sister Winifred Mary Sullivan, 94, died Dec. 3, 2021, in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

Born in Indiana, Sister Winifred entered the Sisters of Providence in 1945 and professed final vows in 1953. In her 76 years as a Sister of Providence, she ministered for 45 years as a teacher in schools in Indiana, Illinois, Maryland and Missouri, serving as principal for seven of those years.  Retiring in 1993, she continued there as a tutor and volunteer. In 2008, she moved to the motherhouse.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Andrew (1948-1950) and Immaculate Conception (1953-1958).

She is survived by a sister, Rita Paitson.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Regina Callahan, 93, died Dec. 5, 2021, in Hazel Green, Wisconsin.

Born in Chicago, she made her first religious profession in 1955 and her perpetual profession in 1958. She was a teacher, principal and support staff member in Wisconsin, New York, Illinois and Iowa.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Regina taught at St. Sabina (1965-1969); was principal at St. Louis de Montfort, Oak Lawn (1970-1977) and St. Barnabas (1982-1988); and served as administrative assistant at St. Alphonsus/St. Patrick School, Lemont (1988-1996). She served the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation as Southwest Province secretary while living in Oak Lawn (1970-1977).

She is survived by two sisters, Helen Buck and Dorothy Muscia.

Sister Ann Stephen (Judy Marie) Stouffer, 82, died Dec. 9, 2021, in Clinton, Indiana.

Born in Indiana, she entered the Sisters of Providence in 1960 and professed final vows in 1967.  Of her 62 years as a Sister of Providence, she ministered in education for 44 years in Indiana, Illinois, and California. In 2008, she returned to the Motherhouse to serve as administrator of Providence Hall. In 2019, she committed herself totally to the ministry of prayer.    

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Angela (1964-1966).

She is survived two brothers, Stephen and John Stouffer.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Marie Malachy Griffin, 82, died Dec. 10, 2021, in Hazel Green, Wisconsin.

Born in Oak Park, she made her first religious profession in 1961 and her perpetual profession in 1966. She taught for 15 years and was principal for six years before she served as campus minister for 26 years, ministering in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Oklahoma and Texas.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Nancy Rae (Paolo) Reisdorf, 83, died Dec. 10, 2021, in Hazel Green, Wisconsin.

Born in Wisconsin, she made her first religious profession in 1960 and her perpetual profession in 1965.

She was a teacher, professor, teacher trainer, department chair, and educational innovator, as well as a librarian, principal and administrator, writer, facilitator, speaker and tutor in Illinois and Wisconsin.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Mary, Evanston (1960-1967).

She is survived by three brothers: Paul, Danieland Tom Reisdorf.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Marilyn (Valerio) Skluzacek, 81, died Dec. 10, 2021, in Hazel Green, Wisconsin.

Born in Minnesota, she made her first religious profession in 1960 and her perpetual profession in 1965. She was a teacher, principal, director of religious education, pastoral associate, family care partner and volunteer in Illinois, Wisconsin, Colorado, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Marilyn taught at St. Basil (1962-1965) and St. Richard (1981-1988) and was principal of Our Lady of Lourdes (1988-1990).

She is survived by four sisters: Janette Sticha, Loretta Hauer, Bernadine Bissonette, and Valeria McHale; and a brother, Jack Skluzacek.

Sister of Christian Charity Joan Clare (Clarette) Daleiden Cooney, 90, died Dec. 17, 2021, at Sacred Heart Convent, Wilmette.

Born in Chicago, she became a postulant in 1947, professed first vows in 1950 and professed final vows in 1956. She taught at St. Raphael, St. Teresa and St. Alphonsus, Prospect Heights, as well as in Michigan, Minnesota and Louisiana. She was the reading consultant for the Archdiocese of Chicago (1967-1969), and then served as curriculum coordinator at Holy Trinity School starting in 1971.

At the end of 1972 she asked for a dispensation from her vows, and she married Jack Cooney the following year. During this time, she taught at Queen of All Saints School.

Her husband died in 1991, and in 1997, Sister Joan Clare re-entered the Sisters of Christian Charity, professing first vows in 1998 and final vows in 2001. She lived at Josephinum, where she was director of the SCC Literacy Program. From 1998 until 2016, she taught numerous women to read and write. In 2016 Sister Joan Clare retired to Sacred Heart Convent.

Deacon Francis “Leonard” Steinbeigle, 87, died Nov. 25. He was ordained in 1979 and ministered at St. Damian, Oak Forest, where he was instrumental in the development of many programs.

His wife, Jennie, predeceased him. He is survived by his children Margaret Graham, Juliann Steinbeigle and Leonard Steinbeigle; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Resurrection Sister Mary Julianne Maciuszek, 95, died Nov. 20 at Resurrection Life Center.

Born in Chicago, she was baptized at St. Ann Parish and later attended elementary school at St. Casimir Parish. She entered the Sisters of the Resurrection in 1944 and professed vows in 1946.

Sister Mary Julianne spent 17 years ministering in education as a teacher in Illinois, Nebraska and Indiana. In the Chicago area, she taught at St. Casimir; St. Mary of the Angels; St. Bede, Ingleside; and Queen of the Rosary, Elk Grove Village, before serving two years as principal of St. Thecla.

In 1971, she began 21 years ministering in health care at Resurrection Medical Center as a patient visitor, supervisor of the admissions office and in medical records.

After her service in health care ministry, Sister Mary Julianne was superior of the Queen of the Resurrection House of Prayer, the retirement home for her community. Her last ministry before retiring in 2012 was serving as portress at the Provincial Home. 

School Sister of Notre Dame Dolores “Lori” Keen, 91, died Nov. 23 in New Lenox.

Born in Chicago, she was a member of the School Sisters of Notre Dame for 69 years.

Sister Lori served as teacher, administrator, pastoral associate and adult education program director in Wisconsin, Indiana and Illinois; as a personal advocate at Resurrection Life Center; and was a friend to many at Marian Village. She is survived by her siblings Katherine Frank, Eleanore Dzike, Angeline Skowron, Jacob Keen and Raymond Keen.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Mercedes (Mary Meloria) Kucera, 86, died Nov. 26 in Hazel Green, Wisconsin.

Born in Chicago, she made her first religious profession in 1957 and her perpetual profession in 1960. She taught, tutored, served in pastoral care and pastoral ministry, and as switchboard operator, driver, secretary, receptionist and parish volunteer in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Iowa and Florida.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Mercedes taught at St. Sabina (1963-1969) and tutored in the GED program at the Westside Center (1992-2000). She also served as the secretary in the guidance office at Trinity High School, River Forest (1989-1991) and as receptionist at the Dominican Conference Center, River Forest (1991-1992).

Adrian Dominican Sister Theresa (Josette Marie) Sinnamon, 92, died Nov. 26 in Adrian, Michigan.

Born in Detroit, she was in her 73rd year of religious life.

Sister Theresa spent 27 years ministering in education and as an administrative worker in Michigan, Illinois, Florida and Ohio. She became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in Adrian in 2015.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Nicholas of Tolentine (1949-1956).

She is survived by two brothers, James and Edward Sinnamon.

Sister of St. Joseph Eileen Sullivan, 102, died Nov. 27.

Born in County Galway, Ireland, she was in religious life for 81 years.

Sister Eileen earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 1950 at DePaul University and a master’s degree in education in 1970 at Loyola University Chicago.  She taught at St. Barbara, Brookfield; taught and served as principal at St. Leonard, Berwyn; taught at St. Margaret Mary; and taught at St. Francis Xavier in LaGrange. 

Later in life, Sister Eileen moved into pastoral care at Columbus Hospital and volunteered at Bethlehem Woods Retirement Center in La Grange Park.

Resurrectionist Father Francis S. Rog, 91, former associate pastor at St. Hyacinth Basilica, died Nov. 29.

Father Rog was born in Chicago and attended St. Hedwig School and Weber High School. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from St. Louis University in St. Louis, and a doctorate from Northwestern University.

He professed his perpetual vows in the Congregation of the Resurrection in 1949 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1955.

He served the church and the Congregation of the Resurrection in various capacities: teacher and principal at Weber High School; teacher and assistant principal at Gordon Tech High School; pastor and associate pastor of St. Hedwig, St. Stanislaus Kostka and St. Hyacinth.

From 1976 through 1985, Father Rog was provincial superior for his community. During those years he served the Archdiocese of Chicago as a member of the Presbyteral Council, advocate on the Marriage Tribunal of the archdiocese, member of the archbishop’s Board of Consultors and chairman of the Committee for Polish Ministry and the Committee for Male Religious. He also served on the board of Notre Dame High School for Girls.

Father John W. Dewes, 82, died Nov. 13. He was pastor emeritus of St. Anne Parish in Barrington.

Born in Chicago, he attended St. Thomas Aquinas School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary before being ordained in 1965.

He served as assistant pastor of Our Lady of Hope, Rosemont, and St. Raymond de Penafort, Mount Prospect, before becoming associate pastor of Immaculate Conception, Highland Park, and St. Hubert, Hoffman Estates. In 1989, he was named pastor of St. Anne Parish, where he served until he retired and received the title of pastor emeritus in 2009.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Mary Rita Kendergan, 98, died Oct. 31 in Footville, Wisconsin.

Born in Milwaukee, she made her first profession in 1943 and her perpetual profession in 1946. She taught, was a parish visitor and was a library aide and librarian for five years. She served in Illinois, Minnesota, New York, South Carolina, Wisconsin, South Dakota, California and Iowa.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Mary Rita taught at St. Brendan (1943-1947); St. Mary, Evanston (1949-1951); and St. Cajetan (1966-1967). She served as library aide at Trinity High School (1989-1990) and Dominican University (1994-2002), both in River Forest.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Lynn (Alita) Lisbeth, 76, died Oct. 31 in Footville, Wisconsin.

Born in Arkansas, she attended Immaculate Conception School and Holy Child High School, both in Waukegan, before entering religious life.

Sister Lynn made her first religious profession in 1965 and her perpetual profession in 1970. She taught, served as a liturgist, was a pastoral minister and did adult faith formation, as well as serving as a general councilor for the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa. She served in Wisconsin, New York, Montana and Alaska.

She is survived by two brothers, Kenneth Lisbeth and James Lisbeth.

Redemptorist Father Wilfred Lowery, 97, died Nov. 10 in Liguori, Missouri. He left a lasting legacy in Thailand and continued to minister to Thai and Laotian immigrant communities throughout the United States well into his 90s.

Born in St. Louis, he made his first profession of vows in 1944 and his perpetual vows in 1947.

He was ordained in 1949, and was sent to serve the poor in Thailand in 1951. After studying the language and serving as a pastor in the Udon Thani Prefecture and in Nongkhai he served as bursar and vice superior in Bangkok. He was serving as vicar general of the Diocese of Udon Thani when health issues prompted his return to the United States.

He directed retreats and worked for the Redemptorist Mission Office while stationed at Villa Redeemer in Glenview (1976-1981) and was assigned as an itinerant preacher with outreach to Laotian immigrants at St. Michael Parish in Chicago (1987-1990).

After serving in Kansas in Missouri, he returned to Chicago as director of his community’s Foreign Mission Office in 1996, and retained that position when he moved back to Villa Redeemer to serve as local superior a year later. He served there until moving to Minnesota in 2000.

Franciscan Sister of Chicago Mary Clare (Dorothy) Brunkala, 91, died Nov. 14.

She made her first religious profession in 1955 and her perpetual profession of vows in 1960.

She taught at Five Holy Martyrs (1954-1955) before attending nursing school. She ministered in South Dakota and Indiana as a nurse. She was director of nursing at Mother Theresa Home, Lemont (1969-1972) and a registered nurse in the infirmary at the motherhouse in Lemont (1972-1973) and at St. Joseph Home (1973-1981), where she was also sacristan.

After ministering in Ohio, she returned to the motherhouse in 1985 and served as a nurse (1985-1986), infirmarian, driver for sisters, shopper, secretary, assistant superior at Our Lady of Victory community (1999-2002), sacristan and local secretary. She retired in 2017.

Sister of Christian Charity Agnette (Regina) Bengal, 107, died Nov. 17 at Sacred Heart Convent, Wilmette.

Born in Michigan, she entered the Sisters of Christian Charity in 1929, made first vows in 1933 and made perpetual vows in 1938.

She taught in schools in Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and Louisiana, before studying social work and serving as superior of a home in Missouri.

In 1966, Sister Agnette returned to Chicago as superior and principal of St. Gregory School, and she served as provincial assistant. In 1968, she moved to Prospect Heights to serve as superior and substitute principal. In 1980, she was appointed superior of the motherhouse in Wilmette.

In 1984, Agnette began working at Mallinckrodt College as assistant academic dean and teaching sociology. Two years later, she moved to Josephinum, where she was assistant bursar, and continued teaching at Mallinckrodt.

She was assigned to Sacred Heart Convent in Wilmette in 1987, where she was named local treasurer and supervised the maintenance workers. In 1994, she was supervising the housekeepers and working in the sewing room with her sister, Sister Marina. In 2007, Sister Agnette moved to doing light duties around the convent and writing feastday letters to the Eastern Province local leaders. Sister Agnette retired in 2010 at the age of 96.

Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ Sister Mary Kevin (Sarah) Ryan, 90, died Nov. 19 in Donaldson, Indiana.

Born in Gary, Indiana, she entered the Poor Handmaid community in 1949 and professed her final vows in 1952.

She was an educator from 1952 to 1966, serving at St. Augustine, St. Henry and Angel Guardian Orphanage in Chicago, as well in Indiana. She moved into clerical work, serving at several hospitals in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

She loved music and was a member of the choir at St. Bartholomew Parish and taught guitar at Our Lady of Victory, St. Bartholomew and St. Mathias Parishes in Chicago from 1979 until 2018. 

She retired to Catherine Kasper Home in Donaldson in 2018.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Ruth Poochigian, 75, died Oct. 22 in Footville, Wisconsin.

Born in Los Angeles, Sister Ruth made her first religious profession in 1972 and her perpetual profession in 1976. She served in California, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Cajetan.

She is survived by her brother, Earnest Poochigian.

Adrian Dominican Sister Maurine (John Marmion) Barzantni, 83, died Oct. 25 in Adrian, Michigan.

Born in Chicago, she was in the 61st year of her religious life.

Sister Maurine ministered in Michigan and Illinois and in the Dominican Republic, Kenya and Canada.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at Ascension, Harvey (1967-1970), and Aquinas High School (1971-1975); was a pastoral associate at St. Agatha (1975-1980); and was a secretary (1980-1981) and teacher (1981-1989) at St. James, Maywood.

She is survived by a sister, Grace Barzantni.

Adrian Dominican Sister Marie Rosanna (Teresa Jane) Flanagan, 96, died Oct. 26 in Adrian, Michigan.

Born in Detroit, she was in the 76th year of her religious life.

She ministered in Michigan, Illinois and Ohio.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Matthew.

Adrian Dominican Sister Noreen Marie (Mary Elizabeth) George, 94, died Nov. 11 in Adrian.

Born in Flint, Michigan, she was in the 77th year of her religious life.

Sister Noreen spent 56 years ministering in education in Michigan, Ohio and Illinois.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught (1971-1972) and was a teacher and assistant principal (1972-1978) at Regina Dominican High School, Wilmette, and was librarian at St. Cyprian School, River Grove (1998-2001).

Father William G. Kenneally, 85, died Oct. 28. He was pastor emeritus of St. Gertrude Parish.

Born in Chicago, he attended Maternity B.V.M. School and Quigley Preparatory Seminary and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary before being ordained in 1961.

He was assistant pastor of St. Paul of the Cross, Park Ridge; St. Therese of the Infant Jesus; and Immaculate Conception (North Park Avenue). He later served as associate pastor of St. Edmund, Oak Park, and St. Nicholas, Evanston. He served as pastor at St. Gertrude from 1984 until he retired and received the title pastor emeritus in 2006

Deacon Dismas G. Fernandez, 80, died Oct. 18. He was ordained in 1992 and served at Notre Dame de Chicago Parish, now part of Our Lady of the Holy Family Parish.

Deacon Fernandez, a graduate of DePaul University, worked as an accountant. As a deacon, he ministered in baptismal preparation, marriages, wakes, funerals, preaching, ministry of care, immigration advocacy and immigrant detainee visitation.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Ann D. Jurgus.

Deacon Daniel Dutkiewicz, 86, died Oct. 24. He was ordained in 1997 and ministered at St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish, Posen.

Deacon Dutkiewicz worked at South Suburban Hospital and served his community in the Village of Posen through civil defense, as a scout leader and paramedic, and through various fire department activities.

In his parish, he was a lector, minister of care and leader of Polish Gorzkie Zale services and Lenten Stations of the Cross. After his ordination, his service extended to marriage preparation, baptismal parent preparation, wake services and serving RCIA candidate needs.

His wife, Barbara, and his daughter Cheryl preceded him in death. He is survived by his children Cindy Brezich, Timothy Dutkiewicz 

Viatorian Brother Donald Houde, 91, died Sept. 29. He was the former principal of St. Viator High School, Arlington Heights.

Born in Bourbonnais, he graduated from St. Patrick High School in Chicago and made his first vows in 1952 in Arlington Heights and final vows in 1955.

He served as secretary to the provincial (1953-1958) before embarking on a 40-year career in education, teaching at schools and serving as principal at schools in Illinois and in England. He was principal at St. Viator High School from 1972 to 1979, and oversaw the development of the “schools with a school” model in which four programs were created based on individual learning styles.

Brother Houde then ministered at the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office of Catholic Schools, serving as director of curriculum and administrative affairs (1979-1998).

In retirement, Brother Houde volunteered at St. Josephat Parish before moving to the Viatorian Province Center in 2012.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Margaret Mary “Meg” (Mary Loyola) Majewski, 91, died Sept. 29 in Hazel Green, Wisconsin.

Born in Chicago, Sister Meg made her first religious profession in 1950 and her perpetual profession in 1953. She taught elementary, secondary and post-secondary education for 42 years, eventually specializing in art, and served in campus ministry in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana, Alabama, Tennessee and Michigan, as well as Trinidad.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Meg taught at St. Mary, Evanston (1985); Morgan Park Academy, (1986-1987); and Gage Park High School (1989-1990).

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Jessica Slack, 90, died Sept. 30 in Hazel Green, Wisconsin

Born in Nebraska, Sister Jessica made her first religious profession in 1955, and her perpetual profession in 1958. She taught English and social science, served as an assistant registrar and was a support staff member in Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Nebraska.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Jessica taught at Visitation High School (1955-1960); Trinity High School, River Forest (1961-1967); and Queen of Peace High School, Burbank (1967-1974). She served as a political science intern at Rosary College (now Dominican University), River Forest (1975-1976).

School Sister of Notre Dame Joan (Marie Patrice) McGovern, 90, died Oct. 3 at Marian Village in Homer Glen.

Born in Chicago, she attended St. Columbanus and St. Dorothy schools and the Academy of Our Lady before entering the candidature for the congregation in 1949.

She served in Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin as a teacher, librarian and administrator. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she earned a master’s degree in library science from Rosary College (now Dominican University) and served as a librarian at Academy of Our Lady; Mother McAuley High School; St. Benedict, Blue Island; Trinity High School, River Forest; St. Paul; Schwab Rehab Center; in Chicago; the Jesuit-Krauss-McCormick Library; and Our Lady of the Resurrection Medical Center. She also served for one year as administrator at St. Benedict, a retirement community of School Sisters of Notre Dame in Chicago.

Sister Joan then served as receptionist at the Chicago provincial house in Berwyn before retiring at St. Pius X Convent in Stickney and in 2006 was assigned to prayer and presence at Marian Village.

She is survived by her siblings, Margaret Ann Papie and James McGovern.

Providence Sister Agnes Eugene (Gloria) Cordak, 96, died Oct. 18 in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

Born in Chicago, she attended Maternity BVM School and Providence High School before entering the Sisters of Providence in 1941. She professed final vows in 1950.

She ministered in education and held various administrative positions in her community and its schools in Indiana, Illinois and Washington, D.C.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she ministered at St. Angela (1956-1958); St. Leo (1958-1962); St. Andrew (1962-1966); St. Francis Xavier, Wilmette (1966-1968); Mother Theodore Guerin High School, River Grove (1977-1980, 1991-1996); and Cathedral High School (1987-1991).

Father Edward S. Stockus, 90, died Oct. 9. He was pastor emeritus of St. Hugh, Lyons.

Born in Chicago, Father Stockus attended St. Rita High School, the University of Illinois, University of Dayton, the Illinois Institute of Technology and Loyola University and had a long career as a mechanical engineer. He also served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Father Stockus was married, had three sons and was ordained to the permanent diaconate in 1974.

After his wife died in 1986, Father Stockus entered the seminary at the Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, and was ordained a priest at the age of 60 in 1991.

He served as associate pastor of Divine Providence Parish, Westchester; St. Germaine, Oak Lawn; and St. Catherine of Alexandria, Oak Lawn, and as pastor of St. Hugh, where he was named pastor emeritus in 2001.

Father Stanley Stuglik, associate pastor of St. Gerald Parish, Oak Lawn, who looked up to Father Stockus as a grandfather, described him as a priest who was very dedicated to the Eucharist and Mass. “He really liked celebrating baptisms and Mass,” said Stuglik.

After retirement, Father Stockus would go to hospitals daily to anoint people and was helpful to the priests in the area when they needed support during weekend Masses, Stuglik recalled. 

Claretian Father Theodore S. Cirone, 93, died Sept. 24 while in hospice care in Niles.

Born in Chicago, he grew up in St. Philomena Parish and entered the Claretians at age 14 at St. Jude Seminary in Momence on the recommendation of a priest who came into his father’s barbershop for a haircut. 

“He was a pastor at St. Peter and Paul Parish on the South Side of Chicago,” Father Ted once recalled, “and in talking to my dad, the priest recommended that I join the Claretians, because he knew the good work that they were doing at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, also located on the South Side. I had been with the Franciscans for about a year, and they did not think I could make it with them, but I still wanted to be a priest.”

Father Ted made his first vows in 1947 and his perpetual vows in 1950, and he was ordained in 1955 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Chicago.

He taught in Claretian seminaries and held leadership positions in his community, including provincial consultor of the U.S. Eastern Province and prefect of formation for the province (1961-1967). He spent 18 years in community leadership in Rome, including two terms as vicar general.

In the United States, Father Ted was province consultor/prefect of formation, director of novices and students and vocation director and spiritual director at Claret Center in Chicago (1980-1985) and provincial superior of the U.S. Eastern Province (1992-1998). He then worked at Claret Center as formation and assistant formation director (1998-1999, 2007-2010 and 2010-2012) and at Casa Romero and Claret House and as director of novices (2005-2007), as well as the province prefect of formation (1998-2004). 

During his time at Claret House, Father Ted served as local superior and was a mentor to many of the students.

Father Ted continued working as a spiritual director at Claret Center until 2017, when he retired and became a resident of the Claretian community in Oak Park. In 2020, he moved to Resurrection Life Center.

Servite Father Thomas M. Greaney, 84, died Sept. 25 at AMITA Health Adventist Medical Center in Hinsdale.

Born in Lisdonagh, County Galway, Ireland, he entered the Servite order in 1961. In 1965, he was transferred to Our Lady of the Forest-Stonebridge Priory in Lake Bluff. He studied at St. Louis University, Catholic Theological Union and Loyola University Chicago.

Father Tom was a professed friar in the Servites USA Province for 59 years and a priest for 51 years. He lived in retirement at our Lady of Sorrows Monastery.

He is survived by his brother, Michael Greaney, and his sisters Sheila Kelly, Bridie Wilson and Columban Sister Mary Greaney.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Dorothea (Guillaume) Snaer, 86, died Sept. 27 in Hazel Green, Wisconsin.

Born in California, Sister Dorothea made her first religious profession in 1958 and her perpetual profession in 1961. She taught French for 46 years in high schools and a college in Illinois, Wisconsin and California.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Dorothea taught at Trinity High School, River Forest (1958-1968), and at Queen of Peace, Burbank (1970-1978).

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Patricia (Edwina) Cherry, 90, died Sept. 28 in Hazel Green, Wisconsin.

Born in New York, Sister Pat made her first religious profession in 1953 and her perpetual profession in 1957. She was a teacher and a nurse in Illinois, the District of Columbia, Minnesota, Maryland, New York, Wisconsin, Iowa and Pennsylvania.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Pat taught at St. Sabina (1953-1956).

She is survived by a brother, Francis Cherry.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Philip Mary Reilly, 90, died Sept. 28 in Hazel Green, Wisconsin.

Born in Dixon, Sister Philip Mary made her first religious profession in 1955 and her perpetual profession in 1958. She taught Spanish for 49 years and tutored for seven years in Wisconsin and Illinois.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Philip Mary taught Spanish at Rosary College/Dominican University, River Forest (1961-1964, 1968-2009), and served as a tutor there (2009-2016).

Father Martin E. Bedoya, 81, died Sept. 25. He was the former associate pastor of St. Mary Parish, Des Plaines.

Born in Colombia, he began studies in the Seminary of Yarumal, graduating with the Friars of Rafael de la Serna.

After arriving in the United States, he earned a bachelor’s degree at Chicago State University and a master’s degree in human service administration from Spertus College. He then began a career in Catholic hospitals, becoming chief cardiovascular technologist and director of cardiology and neurology at Columbus Hospital before working as a public service administrator for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

He became an active parishioner at St. Mary and was encouraged to speak to Cardinal Francis George, who encouraged him to study for the priesthood.

Father Bedoya attended Pope St. John XXIII Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts, which specializes in forming men who discern their priestly vocations later in life. He was ordained in 2003.

Father Bedoya served as associate pastor at St. John the Evangelist, Streamwood, until 2005 and St. Mary until 2013, when he retired.

“He wasn’t ordained until he was 63, but he had a vocation his whole life,” said Father Lawrence Collins, pastor of St. Mary. Father Bedoya and Collins worked together at St. Mary Parish for three years, cherishing their friendship even after Bedoya retired. He would always help those in need, whether clothing and toys for children or food for families, according to Collins.

Father John J. (Jerry) Bresnahan, 86, died Sept. 26. He was pastor emeritus of the former St. Beatrice Parish, Schiller Park.

Father Bresnahan was born in Chicago and attended St. Ailbe School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary before being ordained in 1960.

Father Jerry, as he was known by his parishioners, was assistant pastor of St. Joseph, Homewood; St. Andrew (Addison Street); St. Germaine, Oak Lawn; and St. Joseph, Libertyville. He was a U.S. Army chaplain for five years before serving as associate pastor of St. Mary of the Woods and as pastor at St. Beatrice Parish for 22 years. He was named pastor emeritus in 2005.

“Father Jerry was well loved and respected by the people he served,” said Father Robert Schultz, pastor of Holy Virgin Martyrs Parish in Schiller Park. “His influence on St. Beatrice Parish was felt for years after his retirement. He was known for being soft-spoken, a gentle soul and a true gentleman.”

Deacon Richard M. Willer, 85, died Sept. 14. He was ordained in 1997 and served at St. Thomas of Villanova, Palatine.

Deacon Willer was also a U.S. Army veteran.

He is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Mary; his children Christine Hofmann, Charlene Gauer, Carol Nash and Colleen Lee; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Barbara Castronovo.

Providence Sister Laurine (Dorothy Catherine) Haley, 93, died Sept. 6 in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. Born in Massachusetts, she entered the Sisters of Providence in 1945 and professed final vows in 1953.

She ministered for 45 years in schools in Indiana, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Maryland and Washington, D.C., and then ministered to the elderly.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she served at St. Columbkille Day Nursery and St. Genevieve School.

Viatorian Father Michael P. Keliher, 74, died Sept. 10 at the Viatorian Province Center in Arlington Heights. 

Born in Kankakee, he made his first profession in 1966 and was ordained in 1976.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and pre-medicine in 1970 from Loyola University Chicago and a master’s degree in divinity from Catholic Theological Union.

Father Keliher taught biology and coached both wrestling and golf at St. Viator High School (1970-1972, 1976-1985) and was a parish priest in Illinois and in Las Vegas, including at St. Viator Parish in Chicago.

He moved to the Viatorian Province Center residence when he retired in July 2019.

Dominican Father John Louis (Mannes) Gambro, 91, died Sept. 19 at Resurrection Life Center.

Born in Chicago, he attended St. Thomas Aquinas School, St. Mel High School and Loras Collage in Dubuque, Iowa, before entering the Dominican order at age 20.

He finished his bachelor’s degree and earned a master’s degree at the Dominican House of Studies in River Forest and earned another master’s degree in classical languages at Loyola University Chicago.

He was ordained in 1957 and embarked on a 45-year ministry as a high school Latin teacher at Fenwick High School, Oak Park (1957-1963, 1978-2002) and in Texas. He retired in the Chicago area, living at St. Thomas Aquinas Priory, River Forest, and St. Pius V Priory before moving finally to Resurrection Village Life Center.

He is survived by his brother, Francis James Gambro.

Jesuit Father John J. Foley, 96, died Aug. 2 in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

Father Foley was born in New Jersey and grew up in Oak Park, where he attended Fenwick High School. He graduated in 1944 and joined the U.S. Marine Corps, seeing action at Okinawa in the last battle of World War II.

He taught at Loyola Academy, Wilmette (1953-1956); the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary (1963-1967) and St. Ignatius College Prep (1969-1970). He returned to Loyola Academy as director of development (1970-1973, 1975-1976), religion teacher (1970-1975) and director of parent activities (1975-1981).

After a sabbatical, he ministered as assistant director (1982-1983) and director (1983-1987) of Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House in Barrington, Illinois, where he was the assistant director (1982-1983), while serving as superior of the Bellarmine Jesuit community. He then was a chaplain to dental students at Loyola University Medical Center and also served as the superior of the Loyola University Medical Center Jesuit Community (1987-1993).

He became minister of the Gonzaga House Jesuit Community (1993-1996) as well as serving as acting president (1994-1995) and special assistant to the president of Loyola Academy (1996-1998, 2000-2013). He also served as chaplain of the Loyola Academy football team.

He became pastor of St. Ignatius Church in Chicago (1998-2000), and focused on pastoral ministry after leaving Loyola Academy (2013-2019). He celebrated weekend Masses at St. Joseph, Wilmette, for many years.

School Sister of St. Francis Laureen Haben, 95, died Aug. 28 at Our Lady of the Angels Convent in Greenfield, Wisconsin.

Born in Evanston, Sister Laureen was received into the School Sisters of St. Francis in 1944 and made her final vows in 1952.

Beginning in 1947, Sister Laureen ministered in Illinois, New York and Wisconsin for more than seven decades. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Mary, Buffalo Grove (1964-1966), and at Immaculate Conception (1966-1973).

Sister Laureen is survived by a sister, Joyce Burke.

Religious Hospitaller of St. Joseph Sister Margaret Wright, 85, died Sept. 4.

Born in Chicago, she made religious vows in 1959 and dedicated her life to the care of the sick.

She retired in 2013 from her position as president of St. George Corporation and chief executive officer of Palos Community Hospital, where she had served since 1978.

Father John A. Farry, 82, died Aug. 12. He was pastor emeritus of St. Andrew (Addison Street).

Born in New York, Father Farry was educated in the Archdiocese of Chicago. He attended St. Sabina, Quigley Preparatory Seminary and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary before being ordained in 1965.

He was assistant pastor of Our Lady of Solace and associate pastor of St. Bernard (now known as St. Benedict the African) and Holy Name Cathedral. He was pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle and St. Andrew, where the title of pastor emeritus was bestowed on him in 2009.

Father Farry was also member of the Presbyteral Senate, College of Consultors and served as coordinator of the Englewood Catholic Community.