A funeral Mass for Sister Irene Marie Schmitz was celebrated Aug. 14 in the Theresa Center chapel in south St. Louis County. The School Sister of Notre Dame and former teacher died Aug. 10 at Veronica House in Bridgeton. She was 87.
Born in Linn, Mo., Sister Irene Marie entered the congregation of the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1949. She professed first vows in 1952 and final vows in 1958.
She earned a bachelor's degree in theology in 1960 from the former Notre Dame College in St. Louis.
Sister Irene Marie began her teaching career at St. Francis de Sales in St. Louis. This experience was followed by teaching positions at Our Lady Queen of Peace in House Springs, St. Joseph in Freeburg, Ill.; and Immaculate Conception in Loose Creek, Mo. After 33 years of teaching and three years of community service at Immaculate Conception in Loose Creek, she was missioned to Veronica House.
She is survived by two brothers, James Schmitz of Lake St. Louis and Jerry Scjmita of Millstadt, Ill.; and a sister, Jean Niewald of Linn, Mo.
Burial was in the Sancta Maria in Ripa cemetery.