SISTER AGNESE CHAPKAUSKAS (CHAPP)

October 20, 1933 June 18, 2017

Sister Agnese (Eleanor Dolores Chapkauskas) was born to Martha and Alex Chapkauskas on
October 20, 1933 in Cicero Il. She was the youngest of her three brothers and one sister. Her
father was a laborer and died of a stroke when Sr. Agnese was ten years old. Her mother was
then left to raise the family. It was not an easy time.

Sister Agnese attended St. Anthony School in Cicero and went on to attend St. Casimir
Academy. Both schools were staffed by the Sisters of St. Casimir so she came to know the
Sisters very well and was attracted to their way of life. After graduation, she asked to enter the
community, thus beginning a wonderful life journey beyond her imagining.

Sister Agnese made her first vows on August 15, 1953. She had the joy of celebrating her Silver
Jubilee on August 16, 1978, her Golden Jubilee on August 10, 2003 and her Diamond Jubilee
(60 years) on August 10, 2013.

Sister Agnese earned a BA degree in Education from Marywood College in Scranton PA and
used her knowledge, skills, and love for children throughout her twenty-six years of ministry in
the field of education. At different times, she taught grades 1-4 at St. Francis School in Indiana
Harbor, Indiana, St. John School in Roswell, New Mexico, St. Anthony School in Omaha,
Nebraska, St John Vianney School in St. Paul, Minnesota, Providence of God School in Chicago,
Illinois, Immaculate Conception School in Sheboygan Wisconsin, St. Pius X School in Stickney,
Illinois, and St. Mary School in Plano, Illinois.

Sister Agnese loved children and in particular loved teaching them about God. She earned a
certificate as a catechist from the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. She also attended a
number of programs in catechesis and the use of the Montessori philosophy of education in
teaching religion in order to better reach children in more interesting ways that touch their hearts
in opening themselves to Gods presence in their lives.
From 1979 until 2011 Sister Agnese lived with the Sisters in the Maria convent and was the
Superior of the community during one of those years. Her full time ministry was in the
registrars office of Maria High School, performing various office duties that are part of the day
to day record keeping and contact with students and parents who come with various needs.
Sister Agnese was never a person to limit herself to just the task that was assigned but was
always generous and willing to help wherever help was needed.
In 2005, Sister Agnese offered her services to the pastoral care ministry at Holy Cross Hospital,
visiting patients, listening to them, praying with them, and bringing them hope.

Throughout all her life, Sister Agnese was known as a loving, kind, gentle person who would do
anything for anyone. She had a sense of humor that was delightful and playful. For example,
she stopped at the door of one of the employees at the Motherhouse and said, Youre doing a
great job.no matter what they say. Sister Agnese was always eager to find and share
something she came across in her spiritual reading, a new spiritual book or brochure, a new
Lenten or Advent booklet that she thought the Sisters would like. Whenever there was an event
of any kind, she was willing to help and to be part of what was happening.

At one of her Jubilee celebrations, Sister Agnese reminisced about her life. Gratitude fills my
heart for all Gods blessings and for the Sisters who encouraged and supported me in grade
school, high school, and in community life. I am grateful for my vocation and the ministries in
which I served, various experiences, persons, places, students, and all those who entered my life.
It has been a joy to work in Hispanic ministry in New Mexico and in Chicago, office work at
Maria High School with the students, and as patient visitor at Holy Cross Hospital. It has all
been so rewarding.

Sister Agnese moved to the Motherhouse in 2011. As she was already experiencing losses in her
ability to remember and to function as she had before, she took up residence in the infirmary. In
2014, when the Sisters of St. Casimir made significant changes in their living situation, Sister
Agnese, together with the other Sisters, moved to Franciscan Village in Lemont, Illinois.
Although Sister Agnese was not always able to relate to others as she once did, those who came
to be with her responded with understanding of what was happening to her in this season of her
life, reminding her always of their love for her and of Gods love for her. Many times, when
Sister Agnese was still able to do so, Sister Elaine would take her to the dining room after Mass
for coffee, her favorite drink of the day. There she was at the table with Sister Lorraine Therese
and other residents of Franciscan Village. One gentleman would often come up to Sister Agnese
and cheer her up by singing You are my sunshine. A very special thanks goes to Sister
Lawrence who faithfully spent time every day with Sister Agnese, attending to her needs,
encouraging her to come to community events, and just simply being present. Sister Lawrence
had the privilege of being present when Sister Agnese took her last breath.

Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th century religious leader, wrote, You are embraced by the arms of
the mystery of God. Sister Agneses life in all its varied aspects, from generous and fruitful
service that touched the lives of many to the mystery of surrender to all that God was asking of
her gives all of us pause for reflection that we are truly embraced by the arms of the mystery of
God and that is all that matters. May Sister Agnese now enjoy the fullness of life and joy in the
presence of God forever.
Sister Agneses parents, Alex and Martha Chapkauskas, sister, Anne Drungelo, and brothers,Benedict,
Charles, and Felix Chapkauskas, preceded Sister Agnese in death.

Sister Agnese is survived by her nieces, Arlene (Richard) Andrzejewski (Florida), Sue Meyer (Florida),
Diana Smith (Illinois) and Charlotte Madsen (Illinois), and her grandnieces Kim Marolis (Florida) and
Jenny OMalley (Illinois) and other relatives.

Living members of Sister Agneses profession class:

Sister Lawrence Puishys and Sister Lorraine Therese Siminas

Members of Sister Agneses profession class who have preceded her in death:
Sister Mary de Sales Sokol and Sister de Chantel Brasas

Visitation:
Franciscan Village Chapel
1270 Village Drive, Lemont
Saturday, June 24, 2017 - 10:00 a.m. 11:15 a.m.
Wake Service at 10:30 a.m.

Mass of the Resurrection: Franciscan Village Chapel

Saturday, June 24, 2017 11:15 a.m.
Celebrant: Rev. Bernard Danber, OSA

Interment: Saint Casimir Cemetery

Funeral Director: David Gaidas

You are embraced

by the arms
of the mystery of God.

Hildegard of Bingen