CHICAGO (WLS) — Loyola University prepares to bid farewell to the beloved Sister Jean on Thursday.
Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, who was cherished as the chaplain for Loyola’s men’s basketball team since 1994, passed away last Thursday at the remarkable age of 106.
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Her memorial service on Wednesday saw a gathering of students, friends, and notable figures, including Governor Pritzker, on the university’s Chicago campus.
Attendees celebrated Sister Jean for her steadfast faith, dedication to service, and unwavering commitment to Loyola University.
“She believed she was destined for this work, to serve people, and she excelled at it,” remarked Michael Murphy, a close friend and director at the Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage at Loyola University. “Her authenticity, humor, faith, and devotion to others were truly remarkable.”
Sister Jean captured global attention during the Ramblers’ thrilling Final Four journey in 2018. However, long before that, she was a vibrant presence on the North Side campus, channeling her passion for education and sports with an open heart and welcoming spirit.
“She was always eager to talk to students it was none of that go away, you bother me you’re too young or anything like that she had an open door policy and student would drop by and see her, everyone wanted a selfie, they do that with her,” said Joyce Knight, a friend and Associate Dean of Student Academic Affairs and Advising at Loyola University.
Sister Jean’s funeral starts at 10 a.m. and will be streamed on ABC7’s streaming platforms.
The chapel will open at 9 a.m., and the Mass will begin at 10 a.m.
Rooney Hall and Mundelein Center on Loyola’s Rogers Park campus will be overflow space.
There will be a community reception at 11:30 a.m. at the Damen Student Center.
The services will be open on a first-come, first-served basis, Loyola said. Seating is limited in the chapel. Burial will be private.
