Loyola University holds funeral, final farewell for Sister Jean

CHICAGO (WLS) — Mourners gathered at Loyola University for the funeral Mass for Sister Jean.

The 106-year-old spent most of her life serving students at Loyola.

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The chapel is packed with so many who were impacted by her love and faith.

The orange glow of the sun rose over Loyola University Thursday morning, casting spectacular hues over Madonna della Strada Chapel as hundreds gathered to celebrate someone who truly embodied light.

Sister Jean’s white hearse pulled up next to the lakefront chapel, packed with family, friends and Loyola students.

Long lines formed hours before.

“May we remember her many lessons, her advice and her example, no doubt she is now sharing with God and others in heaven,” Loyola University President Mark Reed said.

Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt died last week at 106.

The iconic nun is being remembered for her kindness, compassion, wisdom and of course love for Loyola.

“With that characteristic twinkle in her eye ,she sums it up: ‘Feeling connected to my students was like oxygen to me. When you love what you do, it never really feels like work.’”

Sister Jean spent time in the national spotlight during the 2018 NCAA men’s basketball tournament, when the Ramblers made the Final Four for the first time in half a century.

Her smile and positive attitude filled arenas.

“I think Sister Jean was born to direct the lives of young people,” Mary Ann O’Rourke, a friend of Sister Jean, said. “She did it at Mundelein with us and she continued to do it at Loyola.”

O’Rourke attended Mundelein College and says Sister Jean was the director of her dorm.

She said it was like having a mom on campus someone she could closely confide in.

“Her door was always open to everyone and if you ever had an issue. and believe me, I had issues. she made sure that you were going to graduate in four years,” O’Rourke said. “She was just a wonderful person.”

Loyola University did not cancel classes Thursday, saying Sister Jean “always put learning first,” but it will allow professors to call off class as they see fit, so students can attend.