Deacon Edward P. O’Leary, 81, died March 21. He was ordained a deacon in 1974 and served at St. Eugene Parish and at St. Benedict Nursing Home, Niles.

He was married to the late Joanne. He is survived by his children Ed, Cathy, Maureen, Maribeth and Jack O’Leary; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Deacon Efrain Ayala, 77, died March 20. He was ordained in 1979 and served at Resurrection Parish.

He is survived by his wife, Carmen; his children Diana Ayala, Carmen Iris Ayala and Angelica Ayala Beasley; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Adrian Dominican Sister Margaret Augustine (Nancy Jane) Exworthy, 78, died March 5 in Adrian, Michigan.

Born in Detroit, she was in the 60th year of her religious life.

Sister Margaret Augustine ministered in Michigan, Illinois and Florida.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Ailbe (1960-1966) and St. Kevin (1966-1968) and was principal of St. Michael, Orland Park (1979-1985).

She is survived by a sister, Kareen May Newcombe.

Fr. M. Joseph Casey

Jesuit Father M. Joseph Casey, 82, died March 8. He was a Jesuit for more than 60 years.

Born in Evanston, he ministered in education in Indianapolis and Chicago. He was an associate pastor in Ohio and, later in life, superior at Colombiere Center in Michigan.

Father Joe had three great loves in his life: Jesus (and the Society of Jesus), teaching French and playing bridge. His jovial attitude, wide smile and care for others helped him to make friends easily, according to obituary information from the Jesuits. His dedication and attention to others helped him to maintain great friendships throughout his life.

Sister of the Living Word Grace Edith Rief, 94, died March 14 in Chicago.

Born in Minnesota in 1924, Sister Grace made her final vows in 1949. She was a Sister of the Living Word for 44 years, and previously a member of the Sisters of Christian Charity. She taught in schools in Illinois, Missouri, Louisiana and Michigan. She was a devoted elementary school teacher for just short of 50 years, and she continued as a tutor and ESL teacher for another five years. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Gregory; St. Aloysius; St. Isaac Jogues, Niles; St. Raphael; St. Juliana; St. Ita; and St. Jerome.

Sister Grace spent her last years at Resurrection Life Center, where she served in the ministry of prayer and presence.