CHICAGO (AP) — Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the revered chaplain of the men’s basketball team at Loyola Chicago, passed away at the age of 106, as announced by the university on Thursday night. Her health issues forced her to step back from her official role in August, though she remained an adviser in her final months.
Loyola President Mark C. Reed expressed the profound impact Sister Jean had on the university community. “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 stated. He emphasized the legacy she leaves behind and urged the community to reflect on the love and compassion she shared.
Sister Jean, originally named Dolores Bertha Schmidt, was born on August 21, 1919. She took the name Sister Jean Dolores upon her religious vows in 1937. Her fame soared during the 2018 NCAA Tournament when the Loyola Ramblers made an improbable run to the Final Four, captivating sports fans and media alike. Sister Jean's popularity was marked by countless interviews and merchandise, including a bobblehead in her likeness.
In 2023, she published a memoir titled “Wake Up with Purpose! What I’ve Learned in My First 100 Years,” wherein she shared insights and spiritual guidance drawn from her extensive life experiences. She maintained a close rapport with student-athletes, offering prayers and personalized encouragement through emails. “Sister Jean has meant so much to me personally and obviously to the team,” said Donte Ingram, a player from the 2018 squad. “She’s just so special, her spirit. She’s just so bright, and she means so much to the city of Chicago and Loyola,” he added.
During the thrilling NCAA Tournament, Sister Jean became a household name. A notable report cited that her news conference attracted more journalists than those attending a Super Bowl featuring Tom Brady. Her image was displayed across various items, including socks and even a Lego statue. “I love life so much and enjoy being with young people,” she said in a 2023 interview, reflecting her passion for connecting with students.
Loyola Chicago made headlines when it won the national championship in 1963 with four Black starters. The Ramblers had not participated in the NCAA Tournament since 1985, making their 2018 comeback even more special with Sister Jean’s spiritual support. Guard Clayton Custer remarked, “Prayers definitely mean a little bit extra when she prays for us,” underlining her role in their journey.
Since 1978, Sister Jean had been a common sight in the university dorms, where she established close relationships with students. She frequently guided them, led prayer groups, and orchestrated community service connections between students and elderly residents nearby. Growing up in a devoutly Catholic household in San Francisco, her religious aspirations began as early as the third grade after encountering an inspiring teacher from the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Sister Jean’s educational journey included teaching roles in Catholic schools across Chicago and Southern California before transitioning to a position at Mundelein College. In 1994, she was asked to assist men’s basketball players in improving their grades, which she embraced as “the most transformational and transcendent position” of her life. “Sports are very important because they help develop life skills,” she stated, blending her belief in athletics with faith and purpose.
Even into her centennial years, Sister Jean continued to attract accolades and attention, receiving an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis at 100. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker honored her on her 103rd birthday, and President Joe Biden celebrated her life with a proclamation on her 105th birthday, affirming, “You have shown us all that yours is a life well lived.”
Sister Jean is survived by her sister-in-law, Jeanne Tidwell, and her niece, Jan Schmidt.
