Sister Jean, Beloved Loyola-Chicago Chaplain, Dead At 106

A longtime chaplain for the men’s basketball program of Loyola University Chicago, the beloved Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt has passed away, according to an announcement from the school. Sister Jean is most remembered for her run with the team in 2018 when the Ramblers were Final Four Cinderellas.

She was 106 years old. (RELATED: Former Major League Baseball Player, Florida County Official Mike Greenwell Dies At 62)

“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,” said Loyola-Chicago president Mark C. Reed.

“While we feel grief and a sense of loss, there is great joy in her 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.”

Loyola University Chicago is greatly saddened to confirm the death of Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM. 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. Details to follow. pic.twitter.com/zPiMY1MsIu

— Loyola University Chicago (@LoyolaChicago) October 10, 2025

Born Aug. 21, 1919 as Dolores Bertha Schmidt and then becoming Sister Jean Dolores in 1937, Sister Jean joined the Loyola-Chicago staff back in 1991. In 1994, she then joined the school’s basketball program, originally doing so as an academic adviser prior to becoming the team’s chaplain. She was forced to step down from her position in August because of health problems.

Sister Jean was the No. 1 fan of the Ramblers, and in the 2018 NCAA March Madness tournament, that was on complete display. Placed as a No. 11 seed, it was pure magic for Loyola-Chicago as they made it all the way to the Final Four, eventually suffering defeat against Michigan.

At the time, Sister Jean was 98 years old and was with the team throughout their entire journey, praying for both her team and their opponents prior to every game.