Sister Louise Livens, O.S.B., 1909-1978

Sister Louise Lievens, St. Mary Priory, Nauvoo, died December 14, 1978, after a year’s illness.

Born in Atkinson, Illinois, Sister attended local elementary schools before attending the Academy.  Her first degree was from St. Ambrose College in Davenport.  She received an M.A. from DePaul University in Chicago and also did graduate work at the University of Illinois.  

She taught in elementary schools in Peoria and Monmouth as well as in the public school system in Arlington, Illinois.  Sister taught Latin and English at Alleman High School in Rock Island for 10 years and was the Dean of Women there for three years.  She also taught at Spalding Institute/Academy of Our Lady in Peoria where she was the head of the English Department.

In addition, Sister Louise taught at S. Leo College in Florida; Marymount College in Salina, Kansas; St. Teresa’s College in Winona, Minnesota; St. Scholastica College in Duluth, Minnesota; and at St. Mary Priory in Nauvoo.

She professed first vows December 31, 1927.  Sister celebrated her golden jubilee as a Benedictine Sister last year. 

Sister Louise is survived by two brothers, Charles of Geneseo, Ill.; Jacob of Silver Springs, Md; and one sister Mrs. Margaret Raimo of Alsip, Ill.  Four sisters preceded her in death.