Introduction
Sister Jean captured the hearts of sports fans far beyond Loyola University Chicago. As a nun, educator, and long-time chaplain to Loyola’s men’s basketball team, she became a beloved icon—especially after Loyola’s Cinderella run in the 2018 NCAA Tournament. But she is also known for a surprising appearance on a baseball diamond: the “first pitch.” In this article, we dig deep into Sister Jean’s life story (wiki-style), her first pitch moments, her passing, what is (or isn’t) known about her net worth, her memorable quotes, and her age.
Biography & Wikipedia Profile
Early Life and Education
Born Dolores Bertha Schmidt on August 21, 1919 in San Francisco, California, Sister Jean was raised in the Eureka Valley neighborhood. From a young age, she felt the call to religious life. While in third grade, she already considered becoming a nun.
After finishing high school in 1937, she entered the convent of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) in Iowa. Over time she pursued higher education: she earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles (in 1949) and went on to receive a Master’s degree (M.A.) from Loyola University of Los Angeles (in 1961).
Teaching Career & Move to Chicago
Sister Jean’s early career was in education. She taught at St. Bernard School in Glassell Park, California, and then at St. Charles Borromeo School in North Hollywood. In 1961 she moved to Chicago to teach at Mundelein College, where she would later become involved in social activism and civil rights work.
After Mundelein merged with Loyola University Chicago in 1991, she joined the Loyola campus. By 1994, she became the chaplain for the Loyola Ramblers men’s basketball team, a role in which she would become famous.
Rise to National Prominence
Though Sister Jean had long been a fixture on Loyola’s campus, her fame on the national sports stage came in 2018. Loyola, seeded No. 11, mounted a surprising run through the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, eventually reaching the Final Four. Her spirit, presence, and enthusiasm attracted media attention and new fans.
Her interaction with the team — offering prayers, support, and even a scouting insight disguised as prayer — endeared her to many. She had previously been honored with a bobblehead in her likeness, and Loyola even declared a “Sister Jean Day” (December 1, 2012).
Over subsequent tournaments (e.g. 2021, 2022), she remained a visible part of the Loyola program, even when initial COVID protocols barred her, but later she returned after vaccination.
First Pitch Moments
One of the more delightful aspects of Sister Jean’s public presence was her occasional appearance in baseball ceremonies, throwing out the first pitch. Though she’s chiefly associated with basketball, these moments showcased her broad appeal.
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On September 27, 2022, shortly after turning 103, Sister Jean was invited to Wrigley Field to throw out the first pitch before a Chicago Cubs game. Sporting a custom No. 103 jersey, she performed an underhand toss from her wheelchair in front of home plate.
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Media outlets noted that this was not her first time — in fact, she had made a similar appearance in 2018, when she was 99.
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The baseball pitch events, though ceremonial, struck many as emblematic of how beloved she had become: a figure bridging faith, sport, and community.
These first pitch moments helped cement her broader cultural footprint beyond the confines of college basketball.
Passing Away / Death
Sister Jean’s storied life came to a close on October 9, 2025, when she passed away at the age of 106. The announcement was made by Loyola University Chicago, highlighting her decades of service and influence.
Just prior to her death, she had announced her retirement from official campus duties, citing health reasons. Her retirement was formally noted in September 2025.
In the wake of her passing, numerous remembrances emphasized her spiritual impact, her warmth, and her guiding presence to many generations of students.
Net Worth
Unlike many public celebrities or entertainers, Sister Jean did not amass a public or documented fortune. As a nun in a religious order, her life was centered around service, community, and faith rather than financial accumulation.
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No credible sources list a net worth or assets for Sister Jean.
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Religious life generally involves communal living and vows of poverty (depending on the order), which discourage personal accumulation of wealth.
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Her income and support likely came through her religious order, academic stipends, or institutional support rather than individual investment or commercial ventures.
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If she earned honoraria, book royalties (for example, she co-authored or collaborated on memoirs) or speaking fees, these amounts have not been publicly disclosed in verifiable sources. For example, her memoir Wake Up With Purpose! What I’ve Learned During My First Hundred Years (2023) was published and featured, but no figure of her personal earnings is public.
Therefore, it is safe to state that Sister Jean’s net worth is unknown, and likely modest relative to high-net-worth public figures.
Memorable Quotes
Sister Jean had a way with words—both funny and wise. Below are several of her memorable quotes that reflect her character, perspective, and enduring faith.
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On purpose and life direction
“Wake up in the morning and say, ‘Thank you God. I’m here to do what you want me to do, and may I do it for your honor and glory.’”
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On longevity and habits
“What I say is that I eat well, I sleep well and hopefully I pray well.”
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On handling adversity
“Sometimes I feel my hope waning, but then I say, get with it, girl.”
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On supporting her team
In pregame prayers she sometimes offered light scouting insights:“Let’s be sure to box out number 43 because he’s their best rebounder.”
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On retirement and farewell
As she stepped back from campus duties, she wrote:“Let your dreams become reality. Don’t let anybody stop you.”
These quotes show her mix of humility, humor, spiritual authenticity, and practical wisdom.
Age and Milestones
Sister Jean lived to be 106 years old, from August 21, 1919 to October 9, 2025.
Highlights of her longevity include:
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She celebrated her 100th birthday in August 2019, and Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker declared a “Sister Jean Day.”
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On her 103rd birthday (August 21, 2022), the plaza outside the Loyola CTA station was named in her honor.
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In 2025, she announced her retirement and limitations in participating due to health concerns, though she remained mentally sharp and active until near the end.
Her life spanned more than a century of societal change, and she witnessed immense transitions in education, religion, civil rights, and sports.
Conclusion
Sister Jean was more than a sports mascot or a novelty — she was a guiding spiritual presence, a bridge between faith and athletics, and an enduring inspiration. Her first pitch appearances showed that her appeal extended beyond basketball. She passed away at the impressive age of 106, leaving behind a legacy of love, prayer, service, and joy. While her net worth remains unknown, her true wealth was the impact she had on thousands of students, staff, fans, and people around the world. Her words continue to echo: live with purpose, love others, and keep hope alive.
