Sister M. Elene Hanrahan, OP

Springfield Dominican Sister M. Elene Hanrahan died April 24, 2023, at Sacred Heart Convent. She was born in 1925 in Springfield, Ill., to Harry and Nell (nee. Carney) Hanrahan and baptized Eleanor Catherine. She made her profession of vows in 1954 at Sacred Heart Convent.

For nearly a decade Sister M. Elene taught religion for elementary and high school students at centers for religious education in rural communities without parochial schools. She taught at the center in Arcola for more than seven years on three different occasions during the period 1954-1964. She was a pioneer of the Hillsboro center, where she served for two years, 1958-1960. 1964-1980 she taught middle grades at parochial schools: Our Lady of Lourdes, Decatur; St. Agnes, Springfield; and St. Bernadette, Evergreen Park. For 11 years she provided invaluable service at Sacred Heart Convent where she worked as receptionist, driver, and secretary. Then, for 17 years she was a beloved pastoral visitor at St. Dominic Hospital, Jackson, Miss., where she brought prayerful support to patients and their families. From 2008 until her death she contributed through a ministry of prayer at Sacred Heart Convent.

Sister M. Elene was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Robert (Lorraine) and Jim (Carole) Hanrahan. She is survived by her sister Joan, Springfield, Ill.; her sister-in-law Carole, Eden Prairie, Minn., many loving nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and her Dominican Sisters.

Visitors are welcome; Visitation: 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL 62704. Visitation will begin with a prayer service.

Funeral Mass: 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, Dominican Father Michael DeTemple, celebrant.

Burial 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 27, Calvary Cemetery. Livestreamed on Facebook at @springfieldop.

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

The Dominican Sisters and family of Sister M. Elene are served by Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Please leave your condolences in the comments below or visit butlerfuneralhomes.com.