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Loyola Bids Farewell to Sister Jean at Packed Campus Funeral

Mourners recalled the educator-turned-chaplain whose decades on campus shaped Loyola’s culture.

Overview

  • The funeral Mass was held Thursday at Madonna della Strada Chapel with hundreds in attendance, livestreams for overflow viewers, a community reception at the Damen Student Center, and a private burial.
  • Speakers including Sister Mary Ann Zollmann, Rev. Michael Garanzini, and President Mark Reed emphasized her “mighty kindness” and enduring presence as “the heart of Loyola.”
  • Athletics figures served as pallbearers or attended, including coach Drew Valentine, athletic director Steve Watson, Hall of Famer Allan Norville, assistant Keith Clemons, and former coach Porter Moser.
  • Sister Jean died Oct. 9 at 106 after a lifetime at Mundelein and Loyola, serving as men’s basketball chaplain since 1994 with pregame prayers, scouting reports, and personal messages to players.
  • A wake and visitation Wednesday drew long lines of students, alumni, and public officials such as Gov. J.B. Pritzker, underscoring the breadth of her impact on the community.