Sister Jean Dolores, Loyola Chicago’s basketball chaplain breathes her last at 106

Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the beloved chaplain for Loyola University Chicago’s men’s basketball team, passed away at the age of 106 on Thursday, October 9.

On Friday, October 10, the university paid a heartfelt tribute to her on its official social media platforms.

"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," the statement read.

Sister Jean rose to national fame during the school’s fairy-tale run to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament in 2018.

Unfortunately, she later stepped down from her duties due to health concerns, though the university confirmed she remained an adviser in the last months of her life.

A devoted supporter, Sister Jean was known as the team’s biggest cheerleader, always the first to offer comfort and encouragement, even after tough losses.

Loyola’s president, Mark Reed, also honoured her legacy, saying, “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.”

“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,” Reed added.

In 2023, Jean published her memoir, Wake Up with Purpose! What I've Learned in My First 100 Years, in which she shared the insights and wisdom gathered throughout her remarkable life.

Born on August 21, 1919 as Dolores Bertha Schmidt, she took the name Sister Jean Dolores in 1937.