Sr. Kathleen Marie Rickelman

Sister Kathleen Marie (Clifford) Rickelman, sscm, of Aurora, Illinois passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at the age of 85. She was born June 8, 1931 in Bismarck, North Dakota to Joseph Lee and Marcella Grace (Burke) Clifford. The oldest of five children, she graduated from St. Benedict’s High School in 1951 and Charles T. Miller School of Practical Nursing in 1953. She spent a good deal of her life caring for others at McNeal Memorial Hospital in Berwyn, Illinois; DuPage County Convalescent Center in Wheaton, Illinois and Madden Mental Health Center in Maywood, Illinois. She married Paul J. Rickelman on October 4, 1955. They raised four children. During that time, Kay enjoyed singing in her choral group and was very active as a Girl Scout Leader. After her husband’s passing in 1986, she became very involved in the Catholic Church which led her to the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary. Sister Kathleen Marie professed her first vows with the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary on February 15, 1998 and her perpetual vows on August 8, 2002. Sister ministered in the Kankakee area from 1995 until 2011. While living in Kankakee, she volunteered at Provena Fortin Villa. In 1999, she became involved with Catholic Charities in Kankakee, Illinois helping the elderly through such programs as Sharing the Warmth and Bridge of Hope, which was the program she began to assist seniors in obtaining funds for medication expenses. She loved music, gardening, knitting, crocheting, driving and picnics…but above all, her family. She is preceded in death by her parents Joe and Marcia, husband Paul, brother Joseph Clifford, sisters Colleen Donlin and Margaret Clifford, and her daughter Therese Helen (Rickelman) Schaub. She is survived by her brother James Clifford of Grand Rapids, Michigan, daughter Mary (Brian) Rickelman Clevenger, son James (Teri) Rickelman and daughter Bridget A. Rickelman Finnegan; her grandchildren Douglas Clevenger, Paul Clevenger, Amanda McIntyre, Rebecca Hutchings, Joseph Rickelman, Kathleen Meier and great grandchildren Joseph Machovak, Anthony Clevenger, Andrew Clevenger, Henry Clevenger, Addison McIntyre and Kylee McIntyre. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2016 from 4-7pm at Presence St. Mary’s Hospital Chapel. Mass will be held on Monday, December 5, 2016 at 10am at Presence St. Mary’s Hospital Chapel. Rev. Richard Pighini will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Beaverville. Memorials may be made to the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary Ministry Fund.

Sr. Kathleen Marie Rickelman

June 8, 1931 - November 30, 2016