Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Michelle Germanson, 76, died Oct. 21. She served as president of Trinity High School, River Forest, from 1992 to 2018 and was the school’s first president.

Sister Michelle entered the Sinsinawa Dominicans in 1965. Her first role at Trinity was as a member of the school’s first Board of Directors, beginning in 1990. That board made the unanimous decision to remain a single-gender girls’ high school under the Sinsinawa corporation. After careful study of the president/principal model, Sister Michelle, then dean of students at Rosary College (now Dominican University), was offered the presidency role at Trinity in 1992.

Sister Michelle was a tireless champion for the school, working with the board to develop a strategy and prioritize goals. She was determined to elevate academics, build spirit and engage community.

Under her leadership, Trinity became the first Catholic high school in Illinois to adopt the International Baccalaureate program in 1994 and adopted a full block schedule in 1995. The school also upgraded technology and engaged in a capital campaign to build what would become the Sister Michelle Germanson Athletic Facility in 2003. The school later added a health and fitness center to the facility.

Throughout her tenure, she partnered with four principals, 14 board chairs and 27 boards.

“She was devoted to Trinity and held the students and her Sinsinawa family in the highest regard as she worked daily to fulfill the mission,” said current Trinity president, Laura Curley. “Her efforts were dedicated to educating and empowering young women to learn and grow to be their best. She continued to be an inspiration of faith, study, prayer, warmth and laughter. We convey our deep gratitude for her contributions to this amazing school. Forever, her spirit will continue to inspire generations of our Trinity family and friends. She made a holy difference and with profound gratitude, we wish her the fullness of peace.”

Father Donald J. Fenske, 88, died Oct. 12. He was pastor emeritus of the former Our Lady of Knock Parish, now the Our Lady of Knock Worship Site of Jesus, Shepherd of Souls Parish, in Calumet City.

Born in Chicago, Father Fenske attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary before being ordained in 1958.

He served at St. Bartholomew; St. Pascal; St. Raymond de Penafort, Mount Prospect; St. Beatrice Parish, Schiller Park; and Our Lady of Hope, Rosemont, before becoming pastor of Our Lady of Knock, where he served until 2002.

Father Pat Lyons met Father Fenske more than 20 years ago when he arrived as associate pastor of Our Lady of Knock.

“He will be remembered for his kindness, quiet side and his sense of humor,” Lyons said.

Sister of St. Agnes Sister Mary Dennis (Mary Therese) McMahon, 92, died Sept. 22 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

Born in Chicago, she graduated from Immaculate Conception High School, Elmhurst, then entered St. Agnes Convent, Fond du Lac. She was in her 72nd year of her religious life.

Sister Mary Dennis ministered as an elementary-grade teacher and was principal both in grade and high schools in Illinois, Indiana, New York and Wisconsin for over 50 years.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Mary Dennis served at St. Nicholas, Evanston (1951-1956, 1969-75), St. Zachary, Des Plaines (1963-1969), St. Joseph (Orleans Street) (1988-1992) and St. Thomas of Canterbury (1992-2001).

Sister of Christian Charity Helen (Elizabeth) Kron, 91, died Oct. 5 at Sacred Heart Convent, Wilmette, Illinois. 

Born in Chicago, she entered the novitiate and was given the name Sister Helen in 1948 and made her first vows in 1950.

She served at schools in Michigan, Missouri, Illinois and Minnesota before returning to Wilmette in 1977. At Mallinckrodt College, she served as registrar and then administrative secretary. In 1980, she served at Josephinum High School as the office clerk.

In 1981, Sister Helen moved to Sacred Heart Convent in Wilmette, serving as portress for three years and then supervising the housekeeping staff until 2017.

Benedictine Sister Mary Ann (Veronica) O’Ryan, 78, died Oct. 5 at St. Scholastica Monastery.

Sister Mary Ann grew up in St. Symphorosa Parish and attended Mount Assisi High School in Lemont before entering St. Scholastica Monastery in 1960. She made her first vows in 1962, while studying at Mundelein College.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Mary Ann taught in parish schools at Queen of All Saints (1963-1964; 1970-1973), St. Hilary (1964-1965; 1973-1974; principal 1974-1980), St. Scholastica Academy (dean of students 1980-1982, 1998-2012), Children of Peace (1994-1998).

Sister Mary Ann taught Western civilization, U.S. history, world history and gender history (1988-1991, 1993-1994)  at Loyola University Chicago. She also taught in Colorado.

She served for four years as prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago beginning in 1982 and as treasurer of the community since 2012. She also was  president of Illinois Treasurers of Religious Institutes.