Submitted by: Dan Rich
Sr. Mary E. DeSales Simons CSC
South Bend Tribune 8/18/2006
Sister Mary Elenore Simons (Sister Mary DeSales), CSC, 88, was born in Tacoma, Wash., to the late William and Elenore Rivers Simons. Sister is survived by her niece, Elenore (Donnelly E.) Mick, Boise, ID.
Before entering the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross in 1943, Sister graduated with a BA degree from St. Mary of the Wasatch, Salt Lake City, UT, and elementary and secondary teaching certificates for Utah. In 1952, Sister graduated from Creighton University, Omaha, NE, with a master's degree in education.
After entering the Congregation, Sister taught for 17 years in junior high and elementary schools in the Western States. She was religious superior at Saint Mary's Convent, Notre Dame, for three years and returned to junior high and elementary teaching for eight years, again in the Western States. Sister Elenore did social work at Fresno, CA, and in 1972 was secretary for Saint Mary's Convent, Notre Dame. Sister was at St. Pius School, Redwood City, CA, 1974-1977, and returned to Saint Mary's, Notre Dame, IN, where she cared for the chapel and library, was secretary/treasurer for Moreau Regional Convent, secretary for Queen of Peace Convent and A-V Coordinator, Saint Mary's Convent, general services and driver for Mary's Solitude. Sister was active in volunteer services to Saint Mary's College and the community until she retired and became active in the Ministry of Prayer until her death.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Cross Ministry with the Poor Fund, Saint Mary's, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Reception of the body and wake will be at 4 p.m. Monday, August 21, 2006, in the Church of Our Lady of Loretto, Saint Mary's, Notre Dame, IN. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 22, in the Church of Our Lady of Loretto, Saint Mary's, Notre Dame, IN.
The Kaniewski Funeral Home is handling arrangements.