Sister Rita Jadin

MILWAUKEE – Sister Rita Jadin journeyed to meet God after a life dedicated to the Lord, to teaching and her religious community School Sisters of St. Francis Milwaukee. On 8-2-2025 Sister celebrated her 61st Anniversary. She was born at home on the family farm in Sugar Bush, WI to Peter and Martha (Gorzelanczyk) Jadin on September 24, 1945. Sister died on October 1, 2025 after a difficult struggle with COVID. The following is a snapshot how Sister Rita filled the dash between birth—death. In Milwaukee she graduated from St. Joseph High School. She received a Bachelor Degree in English and Education from Alverno College. Later after going to school during the summer Sister earned a Masters in Reading from Clark College in Dubuque, Iowa. Sister taught Grades 1 through 8 during her career. Her first assignment was one year in Muscoda, WI then followed by 10 years at Holy Ghost in Milwaukee. For nearly forty years Sister taught at St. Matthias in Milwaukee, first full time then after retirement as a substitute and teaching faith formation. She made many lifelong friends at St. Matthias. Sister believed every student had POTENTIAL and nothing was impossible. So to that goal she spent countless hours tutoring every grade level in all subjects after school, on Saturdays and in the summer. When once asked what she liked most about teaching Sister responded “As long as students are eager and willing to learn, teaching is a JOY and DELIGHT. Seeing PROGRESS from August to June is very REWARDING.” Sister loved to travel never turning down an opportunity to learn so she could enrich the minds of her students. Her traveling adventures, included various states at times doing missionary work. She also traveled countries in Europe and teaching English in Poland one summer, to tracing the footsteps of her community’s mother in Germany, to Africa and being detained by police in Nigeria, to Central America and walking in the footsteps of Jesus in the Holy Land. If you need to refresh your memory check Rita’s Recap—a detailed Christmas letter written annually for 39 years from 1983 through 2021. This letter contained info about her life and travels, the life of friends and relatives, students and former students. Keep in touch. Sister Rita was also a baker. For years for the annual convent fall sale she made 50 dozen ginger snap cookies delighting many buyers. Friends and relatives were on the receiving end of Sister Rita’s tasty homemade toffee and Christmas breads. In earlier years her artistic talent was displayed in hand made cards. For years during Palm Sunday/Easter Week Sister was busy braiding palms making delicate works of art. These also made treasured gifts. Left to cherish Sister Rita’s unique personality and life are members of the Sisters of St. Francis, her brother James Jadin, sister Rose Mary (Al) Pelishek, Geralyn “Jerri” Jadin, sister-in-law Jean Jadin, nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces, other relatives and friends, Sister Rita joined loved ones eternally celebrating their heavenly reward. These special souls included members of her community, her parents, grandparents, brother Raymond Jadin, sister Theresa Jadin, nephew John Jadin, great nephew Sean Jadin and many other relatives and friends. Sister Rita’s family wish to thank the staff of Sacred Heart where she made her home these past 2 ½ years. Our gratitude is sent to the nursing staff who cared for Sister these past weeks. Funeral Services will be held October 14, 2025 at St. Joseph Chapel, 1501 South Layton Blvd, Milwaukee. Viewing starts at 9:30 with Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00. Mass will be live streamed and also available for later viewing at: https://video.ibm.com/channel/school-sisters-of-st-francis If you wish to make a donation in Sister Rita’s memory send the donation to: School Sisters of St..Francis 1501 S. Layton Blvd Milwaukee, WI 53215 OR Contribute to a child’s education YOUR WORK IS DONE, REST IN PEACE

Sister Rita Jadin

September 24, 1945 - October 1, 2025