Sr. M. Aquinas DuChene, OP, 96, a Dominican Sister of Springfield, died January 30, 2010 at Sacred Heart Convent. She was born to William and Agnes Dubry DuChene in Trenton, MI. She joined the Springfield Dominicans in 1931. From 1934-1977 Sister ministered in elementary education. Illinois schools included: Our Savior, Jacksonville; St John, Carrollton; St Thomas, Crystal Lake; St Norbert, Hardin; St Lawrence O'Toole, Matteson; St James, Sauk Village. She also taught at Holy Rosary, Duluth, MN and St Augustine, Richmond, MI. Thereafter she served on the community leadership team, and in the archives and in support services. Sr. M. Aquinas was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Bernard, Paul, Elmer, Chester, James, Glenn, Robert, and sister, Sr. M. Cecilia. She is survived by sisters Joan, Irene and Sr. M. Bede, nieces, nephews and her Dominican Sisters. Visitation will be at Sacred Heart Convent on February 1, 2010 from 4:00 to 6:30 pm. The funeral Mass will follow at 6:30 pm, Rev. Peter Witchousky OP, presiding. Commendation will be February 2, 2010 at 11:00 am with burial at Calvary Cemetery.
