Our Sister Therese M. Tusek was born on a farm in Lockport, Illinois, on September 23, 1928, the youngest daughter of Anthony and Julia (Kufner) Tusek. She followed sisters Julia, Verna, Helen and Ann, and brothers Anthony, Stephen, Joseph and Raymond. Because her mother was in ill health, Therese learned to cook and keep house at a very early age. She identified herself as her mother’s “legs” and was grateful to her brothers and sisters for parenting her when her mother could not. Therese attended Fairmont Grade School, Lockport Central High School and St. Francis Academy.

She entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate in 1947 and made her first profession in 1949. She would have been celebrating her 75^th jubilee since acceptance into the novitiate this year. Sr. M. Stephen received a B.A. in philosophy from the College of St. Francis and an M.A. in nutrition from the University of Illinois. She went on to further studies at a variety of colleges and institutes, especially in areas of spirituality and adult religious formation.

Few people have embraced as varied a professional life as Therese. In over 70 years of ministry, she worked as a high school and college teacher, dietician, pre-novitiate director, RCIA leader and parish retreat director. She ministered in many schools and parishes in Illinois, Ohio and Iowa, even applying to join our mission in Brazil in the early 1960s.

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Bernadine Janette Hasse was born in Joliet, Illinois, on March 6, 1929, the third of nine children, to the late Robert and Marie (Grill) Hasse. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Robert (Lily); Richard (Anne); and the Rev. James, SJ; and sisters Rita (Tom) Blackburn and Sr. Maria, OSF. She is survived by her sister Mary Ann and brothers John (Debra) and William, and many nieces and nephews.

Bernie was baptized at St. John the Baptist in Joliet, where she also attended grade school. Bernie’s great love for sports – not only as an observer but as an able participant – started early and continued into her teaching ministry as an adult. She enjoyed playing, coaching and refereeing right alongside her students. After beginning high school at Providence, Bernie transferred to St. Francis Academy where she excelled in academics as well as co-curricular activities. An article the SFA student newspaper, The Focus, described her: “Bernadine is a lover of nature. Fishing, hunting and hiking through the woods with her dog Teddy, all strike a pleasing tone to her. Speaking of tones, Bernie can strike them pretty well herself as an accomplished pianist. Athletics also rate tops with her, especially basketball, although baseball and archery are not to be excluded.” Her leadership was also recognized by her peers and later by our sisters.

Read More About Sister Bernadine Hasse’s Life

If you would like to make a donation in honor of Sister Bernadine or another Joliet Franciscan Sister, please click here:  Remembering our Deceased Sisters.