Sister M. Pierre Gordon, OP

Sister M. Pierre Gordon, OP, 79, of Sacred Heart Convent, died peacefully at 6:47 a.m. Monday, July 19, 2004 at St. John’s Hospital. Sister M. Pierre was born on January 1, 1925 in Arcola, the daughter of Samuel and Golda Bricker Gordon. Sister M. Pierre was a 1942 graduate of Sacred Heart Academy, Springfield. She was accepted as a postulant (candidate) by the Springfield Dominican Sisters in 1945 and professed her vows in 1947. Sister M. Pierre ministered for 41 years as a dedicated teacher and principal in Catholic parish elementary schools. In Illinois: in the Springfield Diocese at St. Mary, Litchfield; St. John, Carrolton; Our Saviour, Jacksonville; Holy Family, Decatur; St. Mary, Mt. Sterling; Christ the King, Springfield; in the Chicago Archdiocese at St. Walter and St. Edward’s in Chicago and St. Bernadette’s in Evergreen Park; Sister also taught at St. Augustine’s in Richmond, MI and St. Michael’s in Duluth, MN. For 14 years Sister M. Pierre was director of religious education first at the Arcola Religious Education Center, then at Little Flower, Springfield and most recently at St. Anne Parish, Oswego. Ill health forced Sister M. Pierre to retire to the Dominican Sisters Motherhouse, Springfield last year. Sister M. Pierre, one of 15 children, was preceded in death by her parents, seven brothers; Bert, Michael, Charles, William, Glenn, Rev. Robert N. Gordon, CM, and Paul; four sisters: Elizabeth Ogdon, Madolyn and a set of twins. She is survived by her brothers: Don of Reno, NV and Richard of Detroit, MI; her sister: Helen of Morton Grove, IL; several nieces and nephews and by her Dominican Sisters whom she lived and ministered for 59 years. The family will receive friends from 3:30 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at Sacred Heart Convent. A Vigil Service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at Sacred Heart Convent with Rev. Peter Witchousky, OP, celebrant. Final Commendation will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 22, 2004 at Sacred Heart Convent with burial to follow in Calvary cemetery. The family and the Dominican Sisters of Sister M. Pierre Gordon, OP are being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.