Springfield Dominican Sister M. Bernice Curtin died Nov. 26 at Sacred Heart Convent. She was born in Taylorville, in 1932, and named Martha Eileen by her parents, Henry and Helen Marie Spressor Curtin. She made her profession of vows in 1952 at Sacred Heart Convent.
Sister M. Bernice had a long and happy career as a primary grade teacher in Chicago and in central Illinois, including St. Christina Parish, Chicago; Holy Family, Decatur; and St. Frances Cabrini, Springfield. Her love for children took her to Alfred Fortin Villa orphanage, Bourbonnais from 1986-1998. She served seven years at St. Mary’s-Rogers Memorial Hospital in Rogers, Ark., before returning to Sacred Heart Convent in 2007.
Sister M. Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers James, Robert and Bruce, and her sister Alberta Sage. She is survived by her sister Doris Castagno, Taylorville; six nieces and six nephews.
A funeral Mass was celebrated Nov. 28 at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel with Father Peter Witchousky, OP, as celebrant. Morning Prayer and final commendation took place on Nov. 29, also at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel. 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 the family of Sister M. Bernice were served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home in Springfield.