Jesuit Father M. Joseph Casey, 82, died March 8. He was a Jesuit for more than 60 years.

Born in Evanston, he ministered in education in Indianapolis and Chicago. He was an associate pastor in Ohio and, later in life, superior at Colombiere Center in Michigan.

Father Joe had three great loves in his life: Jesus (and the Society of Jesus), teaching French and playing bridge. His jovial attitude, wide smile and care for others helped him to make friends easily, according to obituary information from the Jesuits. His dedication and attention to others helped him to maintain great friendships throughout his life.

Sister of the Living Word Grace Edith Rief, 94, died March 14 in Chicago.

Born in Minnesota in 1924, Sister Grace made her final vows in 1949. She was a Sister of the Living Word for 44 years, and previously a member of the Sisters of Christian Charity. She taught in schools in Illinois, Missouri, Louisiana and Michigan. She was a devoted elementary school teacher for just short of 50 years, and she continued as a tutor and ESL teacher for another five years. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Gregory; St. Aloysius; St. Isaac Jogues, Niles; St. Raphael; St. Juliana; St. Ita; and St. Jerome.

Sister Grace spent her last years at Resurrection Life Center, where she served in the ministry of prayer and presence.

Adrian Dominican Sister Mary Ellen (Brendan Mary) Plummer, 72, died March 25 in Adrian, Michigan.

A Detroit native, she was in the 54th year of her religious life.

She ministered in Illinois, Michigan, Florida, North Carolina and Texas.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Mary Ellen taught at St. Mary Star of the Sea (1965-1968) and Queen of Apostles, Riverdale (1968-1971).

She is survived by two brothers: John and William Plummer; and four sisters: Elizabeth Presley, Margaret Plummer, Catherine Gatto and Virginia Plummer.

Adrian Dominican Sister Maureen (Shaun Paul) Fenlon, 75, died March 27 in Adrian, Michigan.

Born in Michigan, she was in the 60th year of her religious life.

She ministered in Illinois; Florida; California; North Carolina; Massachusetts; New York; Washington, D.C.; and Louisiana.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Rita (1960-1963); Santa Maria Del Popolo, Mundelein (1963-1965); St. Joseph, Homewood (1965-1967); and Queen of Apostles, Riverdale (1967-1970).

She is survived by a sister, Shauna McCormick, and two brothers, Dennis and Paul Fenlon.

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Mary Katherine (Marie Bernarde) Connell, 79, died March 29 in Hazel Green, Wisconsin.

Born in Detroit, Sister Mary Kay made her first religious profession in 1959 and her perpetual profession of vows in 1964. She taught, was a pastoral minister and guidance counselor, and was a support staff member.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Mary Kay taught at Visitation (1966-1972, 1973-1976). She served as a caregiver in the Schaumburg area (2000-2001), and ministered at Maryville Academy sites in Bartlett and Des Plaines as a youth care worker (2001-2006); as receptionist and switchboard operator, (2006-2008); and in the archives (2008-2009).

She is survived by a sister, Anne Osten.