Sister Mary Sharon Wiertz, 83, a Springfield Dominican Sister for 63 years, died on Sept. 25. She was born to Charles and Margaret Cosgrove Wiertz in Spring Valley.

In the early days of her religious life, Sister Mary Sharon taught primary grades in Springfield, Hardin, New Berlin, Pana, St. Anne, Mendota, Chicago, Matteson, and Sauk Village. She taught also in Denver and in Richmond, Mich. A person of many talents, she served in pastoral ministry in Chicago and in Jackson, Miss., and then demonstrated her culinary arts as cook and baker for her sisters who taught at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School. When she returned to the motherhouse to retire, she assisted the community in various roles.

Sister Mary Sharon completed her degrees in education at DePaul University and the University of Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Charles. She is survived by two nephews and several faithful cousins.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Sept. 28 at Sacred Heart Convent with Father Peter Witchousky, OP, presiding. Burial at Calvary Cemetery followed on Sept. 29.

Donations may be made to the Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe, Springfield, IL 62704.

The Dominican Sisters and the family of Sister Mary Sharon Wiertz, OP, were served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, Springfield.