Sister Mary Gianini, OP

Springfield Dominican Sister Mary Gianini, OP, died peacefully Sunday, October 3, at St. John’s Hospital in the 66^th year of her religious profession. Known for a time as Sister M. Mystica, she was born in Greenville, Miss., in 1930 to Philip and Rosa (Aguzzi) Gianini. She joined the Dominicans in 1954 and professed her vows in 1955 at Sacred Heart Convent, Springfield, Ill.

Sister Mary taught first and second grade children for 36 years, preparing them for the sacraments. In Illinois she taught at parochial schools in Granite City, Evergreen Park, Odell, Bethalto, Chicago, Springfield and Jacksonville. She also taught grades 1-2 in Brawley, Calif., and served a year each at the religious education centers in Hillsboro and Arcola, Ill. For a dozen years after leaving classroom teaching, Sister Mary provided hospitality for visitors to Benincasa Renewal Center, Riverton, and later at Siena Hall in Springfield.

Proud of her Italian heritage and her Mississippi roots, Sister Mary often spent summers assisting in the medical records department at St. Dominic Hospital, Jackson, Miss., allowing her time with her sister Ann (Jack) Mellott in Columbus, Miss., and brother Gus Gianini, Cleveland, Miss. Both survive her. She is also survived by three nieces and three nephews, many great nieces and nephews, and cousins.

Visitors are welcome; masks required. Visitation: 4:00-5:00 p.m., Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL 62704. Visitation begins with a prayer service. Funeral Mass: 6:30 p.m., Oct. 11, Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, Dominican Father Michael DeTemple, celebrant. Burial: Calvary Cemetery, 10 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 12.

Mass and graveside services will be livestreamed.

Memorials to honor the memory of Sister Mary may be made to the Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL, 62704. The Dominican Sisters and family of Sister Mary are served by Butler Funeral Homes.

Link for Sister Mary's Funeral Mass.

Memorials to honor the memory of Sister Mary may be made to the Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL, 62704. The Dominican Sisters and family of Sister Mary are served by Butler Funeral Homes.