'Tremendous Loss' March Madness Icon Sister Jean Dies At 106

Sister Jean, who was a Catholic nun, passed away on October 9. She was a team caphlain of the men’s basketball team of Loyola University, which became her reason for fame. The university sadly confirmed her death, stating that “This is a tremendous loss of someone who touched the lives of so many people. We appreciate everyone’s thoughts & prayers during this difficult time.”.

We worked as mentors and teachers for many years. However, in the 2018 NCAA March Madness tournament, she became a beloved figure for her prayers. She retired from her caphlain designation in recent August.

A Life of Faith and Service

She dedicated her life to working for humanity and welfare. She was born in Dolores Bertha Schmidt in 1919, and in 1937, she was the sister of Jean Dolores. Initially, she started her teachings at Mundelein College, but later on, the college was merged with Loyola University.

For over 60 years, she served the nation with teaching, spiritual guidance, and prayer. Mark C. Reed, President of Loyola University Chicago, stated that “In many roles at Loyola over the course of more than 60 years, Sister Jean was an invaluable source of wisdom and grace for generations of students, faculty, and staff.”

He further added that “While we feel grief and a sense of loss, there is great joy in her legacy. Her presence was a profound blessing for our entire community, and her spirit abides in thousands of lives. In her honor, we can aspire to share with others the love and compassion Sister Jean shared with us.”

Enduring Legacy

She was loved with heart, as Clayton Custer, a Loyola-Chicago guard, stated in 2018, “She’s an incredible person.”

Donte Ingram, Loyola-Chicago forward, added that “She’s meant a lot to this program, to the city of Chicago. Her aura is so bright. … She’s like no other.”

She lived her whole life with purpose and authored a memoir titled “Wake Up with Purpose! What I’ve Learned in My First 100 Years”.

In this memoir, she stated, “Dear God, help me understand what I should do, but please tell me I should become a BVM sister. ”Sister Jean received multiple awards and honors, including:

Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis on her 100th birthday.
Proclamation from President Joe Biden at age 105.
Loyola CTA Red Line plaza renamed in her honor at age 103.

Sister Jean’s Love For People

On her sudden fame during the 2018 NCAA Tournament, she stated, “Everything just seemed to mushroom. I can’t believe it. I wake up and say, ‘Is this real or is it a dream?’ And I say, ‘No, it’s really for real.’ … This is the most fun I’ve had in my life.”

She stated, “I love life so much and enjoy being with young people.” She further added that “They’re the ones who keep me going because they bring such joy into my life, and they keep you updated on what’s happening in their world.”

Final Farewell

It’s yet to be announced by Loyola University the details regarding her funeral. The university is encouraging the community and everyone to honor her by “sharing the love and compassion Sister Jean shared with us”.

Nick Schultz from Loyola alum said that “I cherished our friendship we built during my time at Loyola and every conversation we had along the way. Everything said and written about her was true. May her memory be a blessing.” Similarly, Dionne Miller from ABC7 Chicago stated, “Sweet Sister Jean. What an extraordinary soul, God Bless her family and the Ramblers family as they celebrate her great life and mourn this great loss.”