Sister Lucille Ann Bandyk

Lucille Ann Bandyk, the second daughter of Joseph and Barbara Bandyk, was born in the Brighton Park community of Chicago on December 13, 1932. Having been born on the feast of St. Lucy, she was given the name Lucille Ann. She grew up in a loving family very involved with Immaculate Conception Parish, where she was baptized, made her first communion, and was
confirmed. Lucille Ann had an older sister, Barbara, whom she loved dearly. When she was 15 years of age, her younger brother Joseph was born. That made her family complete.

Lucille Ann was raised during the depression and World War II. Early on she became acquainted with the Sisters of St. Casimir – they were her teachers at Immaculate Conception School and later at St. Casimir Academy. She admired the goodness and the dedication and concern of her teachers. While at St. Casimir Academy she knew that someday she would become one of them. And she did.

On September 8, 1949, Lucille Ann began her life as a Sister of St. Casimir, receiving the name Sister Joselle. On August 15, 1952, Sister Joselle made her first vows. Thus began her life of ministry and service within the church, which took her to four states – Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Illinois. She began as a teacher in the primary grades then moved on to junior high. During her last years in the elementary grades, she was principal of St. John Vianney School in St. Paul, Minnesota, while teaching 8th grade. In 1969, now, as Sister Lucille Ann, she was assigned to Maria High School and lived at the Maria convent where she remained for 40 years. During that time she ministered in many capacities, including as a social studies teacher, teaching U.S. History as one of her specialties, moderator of the Student Council, moderator of the Father’s Club, Dean of Students, administrative secretary, and local superior of the community. In all that she did, she gave of herself totally and made lasting relationships.

Additionally, she was always eager to chaperone on school trips, which took her throughout the United States, Canada, and a few countries in Europe. These provided perfect opportunities to enhance her education and have more personal stories to share in her classes, while also enjoying seeing the world and experiencing other cultures.

Sister Lucille Ann was so grateful to develop her computer skills. She would design beautiful cards and fliers for feast days and birthdays for the Sisters with pictures cut out from other publications to enhance and personalize the gift, letting us know that she loved and appreciated us.

Sister Lucille Ann was well prepared for her ministry in education having received her Bachelor’s in Education from Marywood in Scranton, PA, in 1960, and her Masters in Education from Loyola University in Chicago, IL, in 1972.

On reflecting on her Diamond Jubilee, Sister Lucille Ann wrote: “Now, after 60 years of service to the Church as a Sister of St. Casimir, I can only say, ‘Thank You, Lord, for these special gifts of vocation and perseverance.’ These years are not without their rewards. Remember the hundredfold? I am grateful for the loving companionship and support of the Sisters, the wonderful education I received,
the lasting friendships that I have formed, the talents that were allowed to surface, the untold experience of being teacher, and so much more. Most precious of all rewards was, and still is, the opportunity and time to develop and grow in prayer life, the love of God, and the personal relationship with Jesus. ‘You are my love, O Lord; You are my joy’.”

Sister Lucille Ann never forgot family and was ever grateful for their support of her vocation and how they have always shown love, respect, and gratitude to her and to the community. She loved every one of them, but most especially the youngest – she loved their visits and they loved to visit her; she always had treats for them and, of course, they loved the treats. She enjoyed sharing their photos and telling stories of what they were doing. She was so proud of them and ever grateful for their love. A special word of gratitude to her brother, Joe, and her niece, Lori, for always being there for her, especially during this last season of her life journey.

We also want to acknowledge the love and support that Sister Lucille Ann experienced and often expressed about the little community of SSCs at Our Lady of Victory Convent. Our sincere thank you to Sister Bernadette Marie, whose care for the Sisters was outstanding in its compassion and understanding of their

needs, Sister Johanna Marie who was always there for Sister Lucille Ann to share what was happening in her life and what she was feeling and to hear the words of wisdom from Sister Johanna Marie and laugh together, and Sister Juline, who often prayed with Sister Lucille Ann and pushed her wheel chair wherever she needed to go. All those acts of kindness were never forgotten and were greatly appreciated.

Well done, good and faithful servant, Sister Lucille Ann. We are grateful for your life among us and the life you shared with us. May our loving God welcome you home. Lovingly prepared by Sister Margaret Zalot

Sister Lucille Ann is survived by her brother, Joseph (Lynne) of Naperville, IL, her niece, Loretta (George) Zvonek of Tinley Park, IL, her nephews, Joseph R. Bandyk of Aurora, IL and Brian (Tiffany ) Bandyk of St. John, IN, great nieces and nephews, George J. Zvonek, Barbara Zvonek, Summer Bandyk, and Samantha Bandyk, and four great great nieces, Jorieanne, Mallory, Teddy, and Madelyn Zvonek.

Her parents, Joseph and Barbara (Dalinkaitis) Bandyk, and her sister, Barbara Ann Bandyk preceded Sister Lucille Ann in death.