Springfield Dominican Sister M. Dominic Joerger, OP, died Oct. 9 at Sacred Heart Convent, in Springfield. She was born in Mendota, in 1924, to Lawrence and Julia (Jones) Joerger, and baptized Mary Ann at Holy Cross Parish in Mendota. She joined the Dominicans in 1943 and professed her vows in 1945 at Sacred Heart Convent.

Sister M. Dominic was the consummate primary school teacher, preferring to prepare little ones to read and learn their faith. For 43 years she taught mostly first and second grades in Springfield, Chicago, Mendota, Sauk Village, and Jacksonville in Illinois, and in Duluth, Minn. The exception was teaching — to her delight — her relatives in the middle grades in Mendota. She was principal of Christ the King School in Springfield from 1964 to 1968.

In 1993, after completing her educational ministry at St. Patrick School, Springfield, her “retirement” project was to establish St. Martin de Porres Center, a food and clothing distribution center, in a vacant fast-food restaurant near the parish. She continued her volunteer service at St. Martin’s as long as she was able.

Sister M. Dominic was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Father Leo, Robert, Paul, and Frank Joerger; and her sister Dorothy Fane. She is survived by her brothers Raymond (Kathy) and Bill (Gloria) Joerger and her sister, Sister M. Concepta Joerger, who resides at Sacred Heart Convent. Among the dozens of nieces and nephews who survive her are three siblings who are also religious: Sisters M. Paulette and Marian Joseph Joerger are Springfield Dominican Sisters. Their sister, Sister Ann Marie Joerger, is a contemplative Cistercian nun.

A private Mass of Resurrection was held at Sacred Heart Convent on Oct. 12. A private burial was held at Calvary Cemetery, on Oct. 13. A Memorial Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Convent at a later date.

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

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield.