Sister Jean, Beloved Loyola Chaplain, to be honored with Public Services
Table of Contents
A festivity of life will be held this week for Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the iconic chaplain of the Loyola University Chicago men’s basketball team, who passed away last week at the remarkable age of 106.
The nation mourns the loss of Sister Jean,a figure who transcended the world of college sports to become a symbol of faith,resilience,and unwavering support.Services to honor her life and legacy will be open to the public, allowing fans and community members to pay their respects.
A life Dedicated to Service and Students
Born Dolores Bertha Schmidt in San Francisco in 1919, Sister Jean’s calling to religious life began at a young age. She recounted in her memoir that, as a third-grader, she was deeply moved by a teacher who was a member of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. “Dear God, help me understand what I should do, but please tell me I should become a BVM sister,” she prayed daily, a testament to her early devotion.
Sister Jean’s commitment to Loyola University spanned decades, beginning in 1978 when she began living in the dorms, fostering a close connection with students. In 1994, she took on the role of academic advisor to the men’s basketball team, playfully referring to herself as a “booster shooter” as she helped players improve their grades. Later that year, she was officially named the team’s chaplain, a position she described as “the most transformational and transcendent position” of her life.
Rising to National Prominence
Sister Jean’s profile rose dramatically during the 2018 NCAA men’s basketball tournament, where Loyola Chicago’s improbable run to the Final Four captivated the nation. Her presence on the sidelines, offering prayers and encouragement, became a defining image of the team’s success. She became an instant fan favorite, embodying the spirit of the underdog and the power of faith.
Her influence extended beyond the basketball court. at 100 years old,Sister Jean received an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis,recognizing her decades of service. on her 105th birthday, she received a proclamation from President Joe Biden, who had previously sent her flowers, demonstrating the widespread admiration for her life and work.
services and Legacy
A wake service will be held at 5 p.m. on Wednesday at the Madonna della Strada Chapel on the Loyola University Chicago campus,followed by visitation from 5:30 to 10 p.m. A funeral mass will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the same chapel, with Rooney Hall and Mundelein Center designated as overflow spaces for attendees.
Loyola University has announced that both the wake and funeral will be streamed live on the university’s website, allowing those unable to attend in person to participate in the services. Filming and photography will not be permitted inside the chapel, and burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the university requests that donations be made in Sister Jean’s memory to either the Worship, Work, Win fund, which supports student-athlete excellence and welfare, or the Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM Scholarship, an endowed scholarship fund for Loyola University students.
Though she retired from her official role earlier this year due to health concerns, Sister Jean remained an advisor to the university until her passing. Her enduring spirit and unwavering dedication to Loyola University and its students will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
