Sr. Maxine Riker, OP

Sister Maxine Riker, OP, (73), a Springfield Dominican Sister for 53 years, died on July 19, 2015. She was born in Springfield to Max Kurt and Frances Clarke Riker; she was inspired by the Dominican Sisters who taught her at St. Agnes School and Sacred Heart Academy to join them. Sister Maxine was known for her quick wit and incredible sense of humor. Through her creative story- telling, it was apparent that her most treasured memories were of the people who were part of her life: her family, parishioners, parents and children, and sisters in community. Highlights of her ministries include teaching in parish schools in Rantoul, Carrollton, Chicago, St. Anne, Peoria and Mendota; pastoral ministering in Rogers, AR and Boyceville, WI; and serving both at the Dominican Renewal Center in Riverton and at the congregation's ecological and spiritual renewal center at Jubilee Farm in New Berlin. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Jayne Ann. She is survived by her sisters, Jeannene (Thomas) Gould and Marlene Clarke (Joe) Steffen; her brothers, Kurt, Kevin (Mary), and Keith; three nieces; five nephews; and many grandnieces and grandnephews. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Memorial Gathering: A gathering will be held from 3:00 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at Sacred Heart Convent, 1237 W. Monroe, Springfield. A Vigil Service will be at 4:30 p.m. Funeral Mass: 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at Sacred Heart Convent with Reverend Peter Witchousky, OP presiding. Words of Remembrance and Final Commendation: 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 23 at Sacred Heart Convent. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe, Springfield, IL 62704.