Sr. Mary Bede DuChene, OP

Springfield Dominican Sister Mary Bede DuChene died on April 19, 2016 at Sacred Heart Convent. She was born in Trenton, Mich. in 1923 and named Veronica Agnes, one of 12 children born to William and Agnes Dubry DuChene. She made her profession of vows in 1944 at Sacred Heart Convent, Springfield. Sister M. Bede spent her life as an educator, school principal, and librarian, sharing her love of learning with children of all ages in Central Illinois and Chicago. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Bernard, Glenn, Paul, Elmer, Chester, Robert, and James; and her sisters, Irene Kohler, Sister M. Cecilia, and Sister M. Aquinas, both Dominicans of Springfield. She is survived by one sister, Joan Skinker of Tucson, AZ and six nieces. Visitation: A visitation will be held from 3:00 to 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at Sacred Heart Convent, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield. A vigil service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Funeral Mass: 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at Sacred Heart Convent with Rev. Peter Witchousky, OP, celebrant. Final Commendation and Burial: 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at Sacred Heart Convent. Burial follow at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL 62704.