Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM 1919-2025

Remembering an Icon

A life of faith, service, and basketball. Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM, a beloved icon of Loyola University Chicago for more than six decades and a member of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary since 1937, passed away on October 9, 2025 at the age of 106. Celebrated worldwide for her infectious smile, quick wit, and basketball acumen, Sister Jean — as she was affectionately known to friends far and wide — was universally adored and touched the lives of countless people throughout her lengthy tenure at Loyola and her incredible life.

Wake and Funeral Recap

The world remembers Sister Jean

Tributes poured out from around the world to remember the life and legacy of Sister Jean.

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Wake and Funeral Recap

Sister Jean remembered as ‘a living ode to God’s love’

Read about the wake and funeral services for Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM

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YouTube Video

A Tribute to Sister Jean

From March Madness to everyday campus life, Sister Jean lit up the world.

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A large crowd of people attend Siter Jean's funeral mass. Her draped casket is seen from above as pallbearers usher her casket from the chapel.

Wake and Funeral Recap

Honoring an icon

The Loyola University Chicago and BVM communities gathered to honor Sister Jean.

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A close up of flower blossoms on a tree at the beginning of spring

“While we feel grief and a sense of loss, there is great joy in Sister Jean’s 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.” President Mark C. Reed, EdD

Highlight - Sister Jean's Lasting Legacy

A Loyola legend on campus and on the sidelines, Sister Jean touched the lives of countless people.

Over a century of Sister Jean. 106 years of faith, education, and basketball.

Highlight - Lessons from 106 Years of Wisdom

Memorable life lessons from Sister Jean’s book.

WORSHIP. WORK. WIN.

Honor Sister Jean by supporting the causes she loved most. You can give to the Worship, Work, Win Fund, which promotes student-athlete excellence and well-being, or to the Sr. Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM Scholarship, an endowed fund that provides scholarships for Loyola students with financial need. You may also honor Sister Jean with a gift to the BVM Sisters.