Sister Jean facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jean Schmidt |
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Schmidt in 2023
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| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Dolores Bertha Schmidt |
| Born | August 21, 1919 San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Died | October 9, 2025 (aged 106) |
| Denomination | Catholic Church |
| Education | Mount St. Mary's College (BA) Loyola University of Los Angeles (MA) |
Jean Dolores Schmidt, known to many as Sister Jean, was a special kind of religious sister (a woman dedicated to God) from the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was also the beloved chaplain for the Loyola Ramblers men's basketball team at Loyola University Chicago. Sister Jean lived a very long life, from August 21, 1919, until October 9, 2025.
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Sister Jean's Early Life and Education
Jean Dolores Schmidt was born in San Francisco, California, on August 21, 1919. She grew up in a neighborhood called Eureka Valley. From a young age, in third grade, she thought about becoming a nun. When she was in high school at St. Paul's, she loved playing on the girls' basketball team.
After finishing high school in 1937, she joined the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Iowa. By 1941, she was a sister and went back to California to teach. Sister Jean continued her education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1949. Later, in 1961, she earned a Master of Arts degree from Loyola University of Los Angeles.
Sister Jean's Teaching and Chaplaincy Career
Sister Jean started her teaching journey at St. Bernard School in California. In 1946, she moved to St. Charles Borromeo School. Many of her students were inspired by her and later chose to dedicate their lives to religious service.
In 1961, Sister Jean moved to Chicago to teach at Mundelein College. During the 1960s, she was involved in the civil rights movement. This movement worked for equal rights and fairness for all people.
Becoming a Basketball Chaplain
In 1991, Mundelein College joined with Loyola University. Sister Jean then began working at Loyola. Three years later, in 1994, she became the team chaplain for the Loyola Ramblers men's basketball team. As chaplain, she offered both spiritual guidance and helpful advice about the games.
Her dedication made her very popular. In 2011, a special bobblehead doll was made in her honor. On December 1, 2012, Loyola celebrated "Sister Jean Day." The university also created a "Sr. Jean Superfan" pin for her fans. In 2016, Loyola gave her an honorary doctorate degree. This recognized her 50 years of service to the university.
Sister Jean and the NCAA Basketball Tournaments
Sister Jean became famous across the country during the 2018 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. The Loyola Ramblers, a smaller team, surprised everyone by winning against stronger teams like Miami and Tennessee. This is called an "upset" in sports. These wins sent Loyola to the "Sweet 16" for the first time in 33 years.
At 98 years old, Sister Jean became a huge star. Her special bobblehead dolls became very popular. Loyola continued to win, reaching the "Final Four" for the first time since 1963. They eventually lost to Michigan in a close game.
More Tournament Excitement
Sister Jean was again in the spotlight during the 2021 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. She was allowed to attend after getting her COVID-19 vaccine. Before a big game against the top-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini, she included a "scouting report" in her prayer. A scouting report gives information about the opposing team. The Ramblers then achieved another amazing upset, beating Illinois 71–58.
She also attended the 2022 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. USA Today reported that she was still in great health. She led the team in prayer before their first game. However, the Ramblers were eliminated by Ohio State in that tournament.
Celebrating Sister Jean's Long Life
On August 21, 2019, Sister Jean became a centenarian. This means she turned 100 years old! The Governor of Illinois declared it 'Sister Jean Day' throughout the state.
Three years later, on her 103rd birthday in 2022, a plaza near the Loyola CTA station was named in her honor. This was a special way to celebrate her life.
When she turned 105, Sister Jean shared her secrets for a long life. She said it was important to love others and God. She also advised taking care of your mind and body. Finally, she emphasized spending time with young people. She also received a special message from President Joe Biden. This message recognized her many years of service.
Sister Jean's Retirement and Passing
In September 2025, news came that Sister Jean was retiring from her duties at Loyola. This included her role as the basketball team's chaplain. She retired due to health reasons. Her retirement was first announced around her 106th birthday. She had been absent from basketball tournaments since the previous spring.
Sister Jean had faced some health challenges. She mentioned falling from her wheelchair and having a summer cold. She was recovering and hoped to return to work. However, on October 9, 2025, Sister Jean passed away at the age of 106. She will be remembered for her inspiring spirit and dedication.
