Springfield Dominican Sister Mary Bede DuChene died on April 19 at Sacred Heart Convent. She was born in Trenton, Mich., in 1923 and named Veronica Agnes. She was one of 12 children born to William and Agnes Dubry DuChene. She made her profession of vows in 1944 at Sacred Heart Convent, Springfield.

Sister M. Bede spent her life as an educator, principal and librarian, sharing her love of learning with children of all ages in central Illinois and Chicago.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Bernard, Glenn, Paul, Elmer, Chester, Robert, and James; and her sisters, Irene Kohler, Sister M. Cecilia, and Sister M. Aquinas, both Dominicans of Springfield.

She is survived by one sister, Joan Skinker of Tucson, Ariz., and six nieces.

A funeral Mass was held on April 20 at Sacred Heart Convent with Father Peter Witchousky, OP, as celebrant. Final commendation took place on April 21, at Sacred Heart Convent with burial following at Calvary Cemetery.

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. Bede were served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, Springfield.