FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF CHICAGO

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Jeanette Kosiek was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 5, 1930, and was baptized a couple of weeks later on January 26th at St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Church.  She was the daughter of John and Caroline Kosiek both of whom were immigrants from Poland.  John and Caroline were married at St. John Cantius Church, Chicago, IL on May 18, 1915.  They had two children, Jeanette and Henry.  Jeanette received her first Holy Communion on the 18th of May in 1939 and was confirmed on October 27, 1941. 

 

Jeanette was taught by the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago.  When in the 7th grade, one of the Sisters said, “You are going to be a nun.”  Jeanette responded loudly, “No, I’m not!”  When Jeanette was a sophomore at Holy Family Academy she began to consider a vocation to religious life.  Her parents objected at first but eventually supported Jeanette in her decision. 

 

On July 2, 1947, Jeanette joined the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago and on August 12, 1948, she entered the novitiate and received the name of Sister Mary Doloria.  Two years later, Sister made her First Profession of Vows on August 12, 1950, and her Final Profession on August 12, 1955. 

 

Sister began her teaching career in 1947 as a postulant at Sacred Heart School in Tolleston, a section of Gary, Indiana teaching the third grade. In 1949, Sister was sent to teach the same grade but at Five Holy Martyrs in Chicago as a second-year novice and remained there until 1953.  Sister’s teaching career continued until 1970 where she taught various grades at the following schools: Five Holy Martyrs School and St. Florian School in Chicago, Illinois, Sacred Heart School in LaPorte, Indiana and Blessed Sacrament School in Gary, Indiana. 

 

During her years in education Sister Doloria received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, a Master of Education, Counseling & Guidance degree and a Master in Pastoral Studies degree, all from Loyola University in Chicago, IL.  Sister also completed an internship in spiritual direction at Claret Center in Chicago, Illinois in 1989.

 

In 1970 Sister Doloria embarked on a new career as Director of Religious Education that covered a period of 25 years.  Sister began at St. Matthias Parish in Crown Point, Indiana followed by St. Pascal Parish and then Our Lady of Ransom Parish both in Chicago, Illinois.  St. Hugh Parish in Lyons, Illinois followed and then back to the Chicago area at St. Thecla Parish and St. Mary of Celle parish. 

 

Sister changed her focus but still remained in the educational field as she taught English as a second language at St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr School in Chicago, Illinois and Teaching Literacy at Triton Community College in Melrose Park, Illinois. 

 

Changing her career again, Sister became the Vocation Minister and Pre-Candidate Minister for the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago in 2002.  She held this position until 2019.  During this time Sister resided at Madonna Convent and then in Assisted Living at St. Joseph Village in Chicago, Illinois.  In 2014 Sister was the recipient of the Franciscan Federation Peacemaker Award. 

 

During her life in the convent, Sister Doloria had many positions: local secretary, local treasurer, local minister, and lector to name a few.  She served on various committees.  One that she was particularly proud of was being a member of the Sisters and Brothers of Immigrants. 

 

Sister was known for her beautiful smile and her positive outlook on life.  Her advise was “If you can, help yourself and get well, because you are here for a purpose.  Right now, my purpose is to visit and make people happy.  Life is not a bowl of cherries… no matter what life you have there are ups and downs. Live life to the fullest of your capacity… don’t sit down and say ‘Oh, I’m too old.’ that doesn’t work in the convent or in the lay community.  Look forward to having joy and passing it on to someone else” Sister lived these words and was always ready with a kind word and a hug. 

 

Finally, in 2019 Sister Doloria was ready to officially retire, and she came to live at Our Lady of Victory Convent in Lemont, Illinois.  Even though Sister was retired, she used her computer skills to create lovely greetings cards for her fellow Sisters, family and friends. 

 

In the 78th year of religious life and at the age of 95, Sister Doloria peacefully entered into eternal life at 10:10 P.M. on Thursday, September 11, 2025, to be with Jesus whom she loved and served with all her heart.