Sister Mary Geraldine Yelich

SISTER MARY GERALDINE YELICH, SCL 10/23/1930 - 12/23/2025 LEAVENWORTH, KAN. - Sister Mary Geraldine Yelich, 95, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth (SCL) for 76 years, died on December 23, 2025. Born Mary Margaret Yelich on October 23, 1930, in Red Lodge, Mont., she was one of five children of Joseph and Anna (née Svetich) Yelich. Mary Margaret grew up in Red Lodge where she attended public schools through her sophomore year and completed her high school education at Cathedral High School in Helena, Mont. Her first encounters with the SCLs occurred when she was a child, observing Sisters caring for children at what was then known as the "Crippled Children's Camp" near Red Lodge. Years later, two SCLs taught summer religion classes in her hometown and encouraged her to attend Cathedral High School in Helena, where she helped prepare meals for the Sisters. These experiences deepened her attraction to religious life. In August 1948, she enrolled at Saint Mary College in Leavenworth on scholarship. Inspired by the SCLs' joy, simplicity, and sense of community, she entered the novitiate on August 18, 1949, taking the name Sister Mary Geraldine upon receiving her habit. Sister Mary Geraldine earned bachelor's and master's degrees in elementary education from Saint Mary College. She devoted her ministry to Catholic education, teaching and serving as principal in schools in Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri. Former students remembered her as a firm but fair educator who inspired excellence. Known affectionately by some as "Sister Jellybean," she held high standards in the classroom and fostered a love of music and liturgy through school choirs. After her years in school administration, Sister Mary Geraldine continued her ministry of service and advocacy through the Foster Grandparent Program, Catholic Charities, and All Saints School. She was also active with Wyandotte Interfaith Sponsoring Council (WISC), reflecting her lifelong commitment to social justice. She moved to the Mother House in Leavenworth in December 2012 and continued volunteer ministry until 2019. She then retired to Ross Hall, where she devoted her later years to a ministry of prayer and presence. Preceding her in death were her parents; her brothers Joseph and Jack; and her sister JoAnne Nauman. Survivors include her sister, Lucy Guilbault, Lakeside, Mont; nieces and nephews; and the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. A vigil was held at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026, in Ross Chapel of the Sisters of Charity Mother House in Leavenworth. A Rosary was prayed at 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, in Ross Chapel with the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., also in Ross Chapel. Interment followed in Mount Olivet Cemetery on the Mother House grounds. Memorial contributions may be made to Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Retirement Fund, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, KS 66048. For a more detailed obituary, visit: https://www.scls.org/sister-mary-geraldine-yelich/.