Sister Antoinette Fineran, O.S.B., 1910-2003

A Mass of Christian burial will be offered Friday, April 25, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary Monastery here for Sister Antoinette Fineran, OSB.

Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island.  Sister Antoinette died Monday, April 21, 2003 at St. Anthony’s Continuing Care Center, Rock Island.  She was 93.

Born Jan. 18, 1910, in Henderson to James Martin and Winifred Katherine (Shea) Fineran, she attended St. Joseph Academy in Galesburg and was graduated from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa, with a bachelor’s in sociology.  She also received a master’s in sociology from St. Louis University.

Sister Antoinette entered the Benedictine community on Aug. 15, 1934 and made her final profession of vows as a Benedictine Sister on July 26, 1939.  

A former teacher, principal and community archivist, Sister Antoinette served at Catholic Social Service in Galesburg; Immaculate Conception School in Monmouth; Sts. Peter and Paul School in Nauvoo; Alleman High School in Rock Island; St. Boniface School in Peoria; Ladd Catechetical School in Ladd; St. Mary’s High School in Moline; St. John’s School in Clinton, and St. Mary’s School in Wenona.

Her ministry also included service at four parishes in Burlington, Iowa and at public schools in Arlington.

She is survived by one brother Leroy Fineran of Galesburg, and nieces and nephews.