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Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, Loyola Chicago Chaplain Who Captivated March Madness, Dies at 106

She had recently stepped back from campus duties for health reasons, with funeral arrangements to be shared soon.

Overview

  • Loyola University Chicago announced late Thursday that Sister Jean died Oct. 9 at age 106, and the school did not disclose a cause of death.
  • She joined Loyola in 1991, became the men’s basketball academic adviser in 1994 and later served as team chaplain.
  • She gained international recognition during Loyola’s 2018 NCAA Tournament run to the Final Four, becoming a widely celebrated presence on the sidelines.
  • The university said she stepped down from official duties in August because of health issues but remained an adviser in her final months.
  • Tributes noted her mentorship and honors, including a 2017 Loyola Athletics Hall of Fame induction, an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis at 100 and a presidential proclamation at 105, with visitation and funeral details pending.