Sister Doris Taylor, OP died as the Community gathered for the New Year’s Eve “Blessing Prayer of Graces and Promises.” Sister Doris was added to the list of those who passed during this year of 2016.
Sister Doris ( M. Leona) Taylor, OP
Springfield Dominican Sister Doris Taylor died December 31, 2016, at Sacred Heart Convent. She was born in Eldred, Ill., in 1933, to John F. and Freda (Gehlhausen) Taylor. She made her profession of vows in 1953 at Sacred Heart Convent, Springfield.
Sister Doris, who was known as Sister M. Leona for a time, served 11 years as an elementary teacher in Chicago, East Moline, and East St. Louis, Ill., before beginning a 33-year mission in Peru. There she served as a teacher and pastoral minister in LaOroya, Lima, and Llanopampa. Sister Doris returned to the U.S. in 1998 and after a sabbatical ministered among Spanish-speaking people in Kentucky and in Freeport, Jacksonville, and Beardstown, Ill.
Sister Doris was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Frances Schnelten, her brother Eugene, and three nephews. She is survived by her sister Gladys (John) Gutmann, three nephews, six nieces, and their families.
Prayer Service: 4:00 p.m., with visitation until 6:15 p.m., Thursday, January 5, Aquinas Center, Sacred Heart Convent, 1237 W. Monroe St. Funeral Mass: 6:30 p.m. convent chapel, Father Peter Witchousky, OP, celebrant. Morning prayer and final commendation: 10:30 a.m., convent chapel, Friday, January 6. Burial follows, Roselawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL. 62704.
The Dominican Sisters and family of Sister Doris are being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.
Thinking of Aunt Doris today and all you sisters and the good works that you do. Thank you so very much.