Springfield Dominican Sister M. Cecilianne Duello died on Feb. 2, at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield. She was born in Alton in 1940, and named Mary Ann, the eldest of four children born to Clement and Helen (Mass) Duello. She took the name M. Cecilianne when she made her profession of vows in 1960.

For 56 years, Sister Cecilianne served the people of God as an elementary school teacher, director of religious education, and pastoral minister. Her longest and most recent ministry assignment was at Our Saviour Parish in Jacksonville, where she directed the religious education program and the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, from 1995-2015. There she found her way into the hearts of parishioners young and old.

Her first 12 years of religious life were spent in the classroom teaching children at parish schools in Algonquin, Paris, Quincy, Chicago, and East Moline, and in Duluth, Minn. She completed a bachelor's degree in education at Quincy College and earned a master's in religious studies at Providence College.

Sister Cecilianne was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Kathleen Groppel. She is survived by her sister, Pat McNamara, St. Louis; her brother, Ted Duello, Brentwood, Tenn.; and her brother-in-law, Russell Groppel, Godfrey; as well as by seven nephews, two nieces, and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

A visitation and vigil service were held on Feb. 7 at Sacred Heart Convent. A prayer service and funeral Mass took place there on Feb. 8 with Father Tom Meyer, celebrant. Burial followed at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL 62704.

The Dominican Sisters and family of Sister M. Cecilianne Duello were served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home in Springfield.