Sister Jean, Beloved Loyola Basketball Chaplain, Dies at 106
Sister Jean Dolores Bertha Schmidt, Loyola University Chicago’s beloved basketball chaplain, passed away at the age of 106. Her remarkable life and impact on the community were celebrated by many. Loyola’s president, Mark C. Reed, expressed that Sister Jean was a source of wisdom and grace for generations of students and staff. He acknowledged the grief felt by many but emphasized the joy of her lasting legacy.
Sister Jean’s Journey and Legacy
Born on August 21, 1919, Sister Jean lived through significant historical events, including the tail end of World War I. Raised in a devout Catholic family in San Francisco, she was inspired by her third-grade teacher and joined the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary at 18.
- Sister Jean made her vows in 1940.
- She began teaching at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Chicago shortly after her first assignment.
- Her educational career spanned several decades, including various positions as a teacher and principal in Los Angeles.
Impact on Loyola Men’s Basketball Team
In 1994, at age 75, she took on a role to assist athletes at Loyola, eventually becoming the official team chaplain. During Loyola’s 2018 NCAA Final Four run, Sister Jean gained national attention with her maroon and gold scarf, leading prayers and offering scouting reports.
Her involvement with the team transformed into a celebrated position, and a bobblehead in her likeness became immensely popular. Sister Jean’s vibrant spirit and encouragement made her a cherished figure among players and fans alike.
A Life Well-Lived
In her 2023 memoir, “Wake Up with Purpose!: What I’ve Learned in My First Hundred Years,” Sister Jean shared insights about her dynamic life. She maintained a busy routine, rising at 5 a.m. daily, engaging with students, and fostering connections within the Loyola community.
Her famous quote, “Go for your dreams. You’ll always regret it if you don’t,” resonated deeply with those she inspired. She also believed in the value of personal connections, often stopping to chat with students around campus.
Memorial and Remembrance
Sister Jean is survived by her sister-in-law, Jeanne Tidwell, and her niece, Jan Schmidt. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Loyola University. Her voice and compassion will continue to resonate through the lives she touched over her long and remarkable journey.
Even in her later years, Sister Jean’s spirit remained vibrant. She famously referred to herself as the “Selfie Queen,” enjoying the affection and joy she brought to others. The plaza outside the Loyola CTA Red Line stop now honors her legacy.
Despite her fame, Sister Jean emphasized humility, reflecting on her love for helping others and sharing joy. “I hope we never lose sight of that,” she said, reminding us all to appreciate the goodness in people.
