Sister Jean, Loyola Chicago’s Beloved Chaplain, Passes Away at 106

Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the longtime chaplain and spiritual icon of Loyola University Chicago’s men’s basketball team, has died at age 106. Her passing marks the end of a remarkable life defined by faith, devotion, and an enduring bond with a community she supported for decades.

Known affectionately simply as “Sister Jean,” she became a national figure during Loyola’s 2018 run to the Final Four. Her presence courtside—with Rosary in hand, blessing players, and cheering them on—symbolized hope and unity. Throughout her later years, her warm personality and positive spirit drew admiration beyond the basketball court.

Born in 1919 in San Francisco, Sister Jean entered the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and spent much of her career as an educator. She joined the Loyola community in 1991 as chaplain, making her a fixture at practices, games, and student life. She often led masses, counselled students, and celebrated graduations, becoming a beloved figure on campus.

Tributes have poured in from across the basketball and faith communities. Players past and present remembered her as a guiding light, someone who offered prayers, wisdom, and unconditional support. Loyola’s athletic department called her “our saint of the sidelines,” saying her influence touched generations of students, fans, and staff.

While her physical presence will be deeply missed, her legacy endures—in the culture of faith, togetherness, and positive spirit she fostered. Sister Jean’s life was a testament to the power of faith meeting daily life, and the way one person’s kindness can echo through communities and across time.