Sister Mary Virginia Derhake, OP

Springfield Dominican Sister Mary Virginia Derhake, OP, died February 25, 2022, at Sacred Heart Convent, in the 66th year of her religious profession. She was born in Quincy, Ill., to Frank and Virginia (Dierkes) Derhake. She made her profession of vows in 1955 at Sacred Heart Convent.

In her elder years, Sister M. Virginia was legendary for her desire to be outdoors and to wander the hallways of Sacred Heart Convent. She brought that same curiosity and love of exploration to her students for 47 years. She taught middle and junior high school students in parochial schools in the Illinois communities of Evergreen Park, Aurora, Springfield, East Moline, Hampshire, and Quincy, and at catechetical centers in Hillsboro, and Carlinville. She also taught in San Diego, Calif. For seven years she was a beloved tutor at the Dominican Literacy Centers in Chicago and Aurora.

Sister M. Virginia, who was known for a time as Sister M. Virgo, was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers and their spouses Frank (Dorothy) and Eugene (Betty) Derhake. She is survived by her loving nieces, and nephews, their children, and her Dominican Sisters.

Visitors are welcome; masks and social distancing required. Visitation: 4:00-5:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 1, Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL 62704. Visitation begins with a prayer service. Funeral Mass: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, Dominican Father Michael DeTemple, celebrant. Burial: 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 2, Calvary Cemetery, Springfield.

All services will be livestreamed. For livestream information watch https://springfieldop.org/sister-m-virginia-derhake-op/.

Memorials to honor the memory of Sister M. Virginia may be made to the Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL, 62704

The Dominican Sisters and family of Sister M. Virginia are served by Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.