The Loyola University Chicago community, along with countless admirers around the world, is mourning the passing of Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, who died at the age of 106. Best known as the spirited and beloved chaplain of the Loyola Ramblers men’s basketball team, Sister Jean became a national icon for her unwavering faith, wisdom, and infectious enthusiasm for life and sport.
Born in 1919, Sister Jean dedicated her life to education, service, and spiritual guidance. A member of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, she joined Loyola in 1991 and became an integral part of the campus community—not only as a chaplain but as a symbol of resilience, compassion, and joy.
Sister Jean captured the hearts of millions during Loyola’s Cinderella run in the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Her pregame prayers, courtside presence, and witty interviews made her a household name, transcending the world of sports and becoming a beacon of positivity and purpose.
Despite her national fame, Sister Jean remained humble, consistently redirecting the spotlight to her faith, her students, and the values she held dear. She continued to serve and inspire well into her centenarian years, embodying the Jesuit mission of service to others.
Her passing marks the end of a remarkable life that spanned more than a century of change, challenge, and grace. While she may no longer be with us in person, Sister Jean’s legacy will endure—in the hearts of the Loyola community, in college basketball history, and in the countless lives she touched through her kindness, humor, and faith.
May she rest in eternal peace, having truly lived a life of purpose, prayer, and love.
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