Sister M. Lucille Mertes, 99, a Dominican Sister of Springfield, died March 10, 2015. She was born in Wenona to Nicholas and Mary Meyer Mertes.
After professing her vows as a Springfield Dominicans in 1936, she taught and/or administered at St. Edward School and Our Lady of Grace School in Chicago, St. Joseph in Bradley, and Holy Rosary in Duluth, Minn. In 1968 she was appointed treasurer of the motherhouse, Sacred Heart Convent. From 1993 until she “retired,” Sister was responsible for the care of the flower beds on the convent grounds. When her physical health prevented her from caring for her roses, she embraced a ministry of “full-time prayer.”
Sister M. Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Leonard and her sisters Rose Krischel, Eva Downey, Margaret Yuhas, and Monica and Frances Mertes. She is survived by several nephews and nieces.
Visitation: Sacred Heart Convent on Friday, March 13 from 3:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Vigil Service at 6:30 pm. Funeral Mass and Rite of Committal on Saturday, March 14 at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Peter Witchousky OP, presiding.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe, Springfield, IL 62704
