Springfield Dominican Sister M. Laurentia Fenlon died March 21 at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield. She was born in Chicago in 1931 to Lawrence J. and Mary Bartley Fenlon and baptized Joan Marie. She made her profession of vows in 1952 at Sacred Heart Convent.

Sister Laurentia ministered most of her religious life in elementary education. She taught or was principal in parish schools throughout central and northern Illinois and in Duluth, Minn. In 1992, she began her ministry as parish pastoral associate, serving at St. Gertrude Parish, Franklin Park and at Corpus Christi Parish, Carol Stream. In 2002, she became unit secretary in the Dominican Sisters’ nursing facility at Sacred Heart Convent and cared lovingly for the needs of the sisters until she was no longer able.

Sister Laurentia was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Richard, Lawrence, and William; and her sisters, Mary Lou Charleston, Lois Fenlon, Margaret Kuh, Jacqueline Fenlon, and Katherine Fenlon. She is survived by her sisters, Rita Schmidt, Crystal Falls, Mich., and Dorothy Ann Agner, Des Plaines; her sisters-in-law, Joan (William) Fenlon, Niles, and Betty (Richard) Fenlon, Hilton Head, S.C.; and by many nieces and nephews.

A prayer service and visitation was held March 26 at Aquinas Center, Sacred Heart Convent.

Morning Prayer and the Funeral Mass took place March 27 at the convent chapel with Father Peter Witchousky, OP, celebrant. Burial followed 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 Laurentia were served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home in Springfield.