Obituary of Sr. Elaine Schneider, OSF
Sister Elaine R. Schneider died at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home on October 27, 2021. She was born in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Marie (Reidelbach) and Charles Schneider. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Schneider and Marie (Reidelbach) Schneider, and her stepmother, Sophie; brothers, Richard and James; half-brothers: John, David, Paul, her sister, Adrienne; her cousin, Sr. Karen Kauderer, OSF. She is survived by her half-brothers, Joseph, Charles Michael and Francis; her half-sisters, Mary Lysle and Roseanne Hanson; niece, Sister Theresa Schneider, OSF; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. many cousins and friends.
Sister Elaine R. received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis). She also earned a certificate of study from the Franciscan Institute at the University of St. Francis where she completed her Master of Arts Degree.
Sister Elaine R. began her ministry in elementary education at Sacred Heart School in Englewood, Illinois. She taught at St. Mary and Immaculate Conception, Columbus, Ohio; St. Francis de Sales, Toledo, Ohio; and St. Peter, Mansfield, Ohio. She served four years as Vice Principal while teaching math for nineteen years at St. Matthew in Phoenix, Arizona. Her ministry of teaching continued in various schools of Illinois, Alabama, and Arizona for over 50 years. Returning to the Joliet area, Sister Elaine R. taught GED at Joliet Junior College then served as Clerical Assistant to the Congregation for seven years. After taking up residence at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home, she continued to be very active in her retirement volunteering at Outreach, Joliet; as Office Assistant, Upper Room; and Sacristan, Companion/Driver for Our Lady of the Angels. Her Ministry of Presence made a difference in the life of many people. Sister Elaine R. was a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate for 75 years.
Due to the restrictions of the COVID Virus there will be no public visitation for Sister Elaine R. Schneider. A private Memorial Mass will be celebrated, and Sister will be interred in the Congregation’s plot at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville, Illinois, next to her cousin, Sr. Karen Kauderer, who was also a member of the Congregation.
If you would like to make a donation in honor of Sister Elaine R. Schneider or another Joliet Franciscan Sister, please send your Memorial to the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, 1433 Essington Road, Joliet, IL 60435.
