Springfield Dominican Sister Marion Sitkiewitz (formerly Sister Peter Claver) died May 14, 2018, at Sacred Heart Convent. She was born in Chicago in 1928 to Peter and Lucy Bonk Sitkiewitz. She made her profession of vows in 1951 at Sacred Heart Convent.
Sister Marion ministered for most of her life as an educator. First, she was a primary school teacher, then spent many years as a religious education specialist in parishes in central and northern Illinois. She loved her early years in East St. Louis at St. Mary Parish and was happy to return there later in life as librarian at Sister Thea Bowman School. Her final years in active ministry were spent at Marian Catholic High School, Chicago Heights, where she was the speech team’s biggest booster and a frequent participant in alumni activities.
Sister Marion was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Audrey (George) Zieske, Robert Sykes and Paul Sitkiewitz. She is survived by her sister-in-law Carole (Robert) Bison, numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Cremation accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Prayer Service: 4:00 p.m. with visitation until 6:15 p.m., Monday, May 21, Aquinas Center, Sacred Heart Convent, 1237 W. Monroe St. Funeral Mass: 6:30 p.m. convent chapel. Morning prayer and final commendation: 10:30 a.m., convent chapel, Tuesday, May 22, Father Peter Witchousky, OP; celebrant. Burial follows, Calvary Cemetery.
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 Marion are being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.
That smile. It lit up the world wherever she was. So many stories from her time at St. Lawrence O’Toole in Matteson before her time at Marian Catholic HS. She was fun, funny, full of life, yet her spirituality was such a gift to anyone she knew. RIP Sr. Marion. 🙁
Sister Barb, Sister Joan my condolences! Sister Marion was My Second Grade Teacher in Jacksonville! My Mother was teaching 4th Grade there that year. As I waited for Mom to finish up her lesson plans one day , Sister Marion came Walzing down the Hallway singing “Dave, Davey Crocket ! King of the Wild Frontier! “
A group of us from Our Lady of the Holy Spirit in Mt Zion went to the Mother house about a year ago for a visit!! It was so enjoyable! She will be missed by many!!
My Aunt Marion was the most joyful soul I have ever known! I was blessed to grow up with her amazing spiritual influence and she taught me so much about faith in God. I loved her humor and will never forget her laugh! I will grieve her loss, but am at peace with knowing she is where she always wanted to be…in the midst of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It brings me pleasure to know she is dancing with the angels, too!