How old was Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt? Tributes pour in as beloved Loyola University basketball chaplain passes away

Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the longtime chaplain of the Loyola-Chicago basketball team, has died. She was 106.

USA Today has reported that the university confirmed. She was most known for her participation in the college program's Cinderella run to the Final Four in the 2018 NCAA Tournament. As of this writing, her exact cause of death remains unclear.

Loyola president Mark C. Reed said in a statement, according to ESPN:

"In many roles at Loyola over the course of more than 60 years, Sister Jean was an invaluable source of wisdom and grace for generations of students, faculty, and staff. While we feel grief and a sense of loss, there is great joy in her legacy. Her presence was a profound blessing for our entire community, and her spirit abides in thousands of lives. In her honor, we can aspire to share with others the love and compassion Sister Jean shared with us."

Sister Jean's life and legacy explored:

Sister Jean was born Dolores Bertha Schmidt on August 21, 1919. She adopted the former name in 1937. ESPN has reported that she joined the Loyola-Chicago team in 1991, and three years later, she joined its basketball team. She first assumed the role of academic adviser before assuming captaincy.

Just this August, she announced that she was retiring due to issues with her health, particularly a “bad summer cold and other health issues.” She was also unable to make it to the Ramblers’ April game.

People Magazine has reported that during the 2021 NCAA men's tournament, she took two COVID vaccinations to be able to watch the Ramblers play in Indianapolis in person. Before that, the Wall Street Journal had reported she had a stint at a Chicago rehab facility to recover from a hip injury and shingles.

She was most known for her prowess as an advisor, scout, and unofficial assistant coach. Loyola University Chicago said in a statement on X:

"Loyola University Chicago is greatly saddened to confirm the death of Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM. This is a tremendous loss of someone who touched the lives of so many people. We appreciate everyone’s thoughts & prayers during this difficult time."

BVM President LaDonna Manternach also paid her respects in a statement to the departed:

“Sister Jean Dolores was a woman of prayer, dedicated educator, and a bearer of hope who loved her BVM Community. She saw God present in all that surrounded her and trusted in His goodness. Her presence with us will be greatly missed.”

In a profile celebrating her 100th birthday at the university, she said:

"I love working with these young people. I think that's what kept my heart young—not my body young—but kept my heart young all these years."

People Magazine has reported that she leaves behind her sister-in-law, Jeanne Tidwell, and her niece, Jan Schmidt.

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