Sister Jean, the Beloved Chaplain for the Loyola Chicago Basketball Team, Passes Away at 106
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Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the adored chaplain for the Loyola University Chicago men’s basketball team, passed away at the remarkable age of 106 in Illinois on Thursday, October 9th, as confirmed by the university. In a statement, Loyola President Mark C. Reed expressed the deep impact Sister Jean had over six decades on the students, faculty, and staff, describing her as a source of wisdom and grace. He acknowledged the profound blessing her presence was to the community, noting that her spirit would continue to inspire and uplift countless lives.
BVM President LaDonna Manternach also paid tribute to Sister Jean, highlighting her as a woman of prayer, dedicated educator, and beacon of hope within the BVM Community. Described as someone who saw God’s goodness in everything around her, Sister Jean’s legacy of love and compassion will leave a lasting impact on all those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Throughout her life, Sister Jean remained deeply committed to her work. In preparation to watch the Loyola Ramblers during the 2021 NCAA men’s tournament, she earnestly received two COVID vaccinations while recovering from a hip injury and shingles in a Chicago rehabilitation facility. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, Sister Jean continued to deliver her pregame prayers and inspirational messages virtually to the team, ensuring her unwavering support and guidance.
Sister Jean’s influence extended far beyond the basketball court. Born Dolores Bertha Schmidt on August 21, 1919, in San Francisco during the Spanish flu pandemic, she felt a calling to religious life from a young age. Renamed Sister Jean Dolores upon joining the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM), she dedicated herself to serving in Catholic schools and supporting students through various roles, notably becoming the team chaplain for Loyola’s men’s basketball team at the age of 75.
Recognised for her invaluable contributions, Sister Jean was inducted into the Loyola Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017, a testament to her enduring impact on the university community. Her commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering a sense of unity among players transcended age and physical limitations, as she continued to inspire with her unwavering devotion and spirit.
Despite the immense loss felt by many at Sister Jean’s passing, her legacy of faith, compassion, and dedication will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those she touched. Survived by her sister-in-law Jeanne Tidwell and niece Jan Schmidt, Sister Jean leaves behind a legacy of love and service that will continue to resonate within the Loyola community and beyond.
As Layola University prepares to announce funeral arrangements in the coming days, tributes pour in from those who were fortunate enough to have known and been inspired by Sister Jean’s remarkable life. Her memory will forever be cherished, and her spirit will always be a guiding light for all who were privileged to have crossed paths with this extraordinary woman.