Sister of the Living Word Stella Stacken, 98, died Aug. 10. She served as principal of St. Mary School, Riverdale, when Pope Leo XIV was a student there.

Born in Minnesota, Sister Stella lived her religious vocation for over 80 years. Originally a Sister of Christian Charity, she joined the Sisters of the Living Word in 1975.

During her ministry, she taught all grades of elementary school from 1946 through 1998. She ministered in various schools in Illinois, Minnesota and Iowa. She was appointed principal in three schools, including St. Mary from 1967 to 1973.

She lived at Resurrection Life Center  for the past several years.

She is survived by her sisters Darlene Matti, JoAnn Lenzmeier and Lucy Ann Lucy and her brother Paul  Stacken.