Sister of the Living Word Kathleen Heer, 75, died June 15 at Resurrection Life Center, where she lived for the past four years after suffering a stroke.

Sister Kathleen entered the Sisters of Christian Charity in 1969 and was called again to be a founding member of the Sisters of the Living Word in 1975. A gifted artist and educator, she taught junior high at St. Raphael in the Englewood neighborhood, and served as principal for 16 years. She participated in consolidation of the nine Englewood schools and was elected vice-president of the Archdiocesan Principals Association. She was also principal at St. Catherine Laboure, Glenview.

She later earned a master’s degree in art therapy and ministered as an art therapist in Ohio, and she served in the leadership of her religious community for five years.

She is survived by siblings Thomas Heer, Mary Heer, Betty Freeze Heer, John Heer, Daniel Heer, Michael Heer and Joseph Heer.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Maria (Josefita) Candelaria, 89, died June 18 in Hazel Green, Wisconsin.

She was born in New Mexico and made her first profession as a Discalced Carmelite in 1957, receiving the name Maria Isabel. She transferred her vows to the Sinsinawa Dominicans in 1980.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in religious studies and Spanish from Rosary College (now Dominican University), River Forest; a master’s degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University Chicago; and a master’s degree in secondary education from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.

She ministered as a teacher in New Mexico and Texas.

Daughter of Charity Sister Mary (Mary Margaret) Satala, 89, died June 23 in Evansville, Indiana.

Born in Chicago, she graduated from Good Counsel High School in 1953 and earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph School of Nursing before entering the Daughters of Charity in 1960.

She served at hospitals in Louisiana, Missouri, Indiana and Alabama, as well as at St. Joseph Hospital and Health Centers (1984-1991). She also served in Poland.

In addition to her nursing degree, Sister Mary earned a master’s degree in spirituality and counseling and a doctorate in pastoral counseling and clinical counseling.

She also served as postulant directress for the Daughters of Charity in Evansville, and as a mental health counselor in Indianapolis.

Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ Sister Patricia (Brendan) Peters, 85, died June 27 in Donaldson, Indiana.

Born in Breese, Illinois, Sister Patricia entered the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ in 1959 and professed her first vows in 1962.

She taught at elementary schools in Illinois and Indiana, including St. Henry.

After 10 years of teaching, Sister Patricia was appointed director of purchasing at the PHJC Ministry Center in Donaldson. She developed an interest in computer technology and took several computer courses at DeVry University in Chicago. She became the manager for computer services at PHJC Ministry Center. In 2016, Sister Patricia began using her computer skills to help develop a digitized system of tracking pictures and artifacts in the archives.

Sister Patricia retired to Catherine’s Cottage in Donaldson in 2023.

Sister Patricia is survived by her two sisters and five brothers.

Deacon Gregory Shumpert, 70, died June 4. He was ordained in 1999 and ministered at St. Agatha, St. Martin de Porres and St. Simon of Cyrene parishes.

Born in Chicago, he attended Holy Name Cathedral High School and Loyola University Chicago, as well as studying for the diaconate at the University of St. Mary of the Lake.

For more than three decades, Deacon Shumpert worked at Northwestern Memorial Hospital as a mental health counselor and advocate for those in need. He later served in several capacities at Malcolm X College.

In his years as a deacon, he assisted at the altar and offered pastoral care and community outreach. He was active in the Men’s Club, was a lector and choir member, supported Community Renewal Society initiatives and was a board member of the Adult Education Learning Center.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carolyn; his children Ericka Nicole Shumpert-Toliver and Erik Gregory Shumpert; and two grandchildren.