Sister Bernadette Luecker

Sister Bernadette Luecker was born on February 22, 1937, in Chicago. She was the fourth of six children, Mary Therese, Dolores, Carolyn, followed by George and Roberta. The family grew up in St. Matthias Parish, where the School Sisters of St. Francis taught.

Bernadette, or Bernie as she was known, began piano lessons and later took up the violin with the sisters. After graduating from St. Matthias School, she attended Alvernia High School, where her connection with the School Sisters continued. Playing in the orchestra was a highlight during those years.

She graduated from Alvernia in 1955 and then joined the School Sisters of St. Francis that September. She was enrolled at Alverno College, continuing her studies in piano, violin, organ, and other subjects. At that time, sisters often began teaching before completing all of their college coursework. After two years at Alverno College, she was assigned to teach fourth and fifth grades at St. Joseph School in Waupun, Wisconsin, continuing her studies during the summers.

From that point on, Bernie thought of her life in ministry as a series of three chapters. The first chapter, spanning 25 years, was dedicated to teaching, mostly music, in high schools in Wisconsin and Illinois. These included Pius XI High School in Milwaukee; St. Gregory High School in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin; St. Joseph High School in Kenosha, Wisconsin; and Quigley North Seminary in Chicago. She concluded this chapter at her alma mater, Alvernia High School, where she served from 1975 to 1983.

The next chapter, lasting 26 years, was devoted to parish work in music and liturgy in the Chicago area. She served at St. Raymond Parish in Mt. Prospect, St. Symphorosa Parish in Chicago, St. Catherine-St. Lucy Parish in Oak Park, and St. Thomas Becket Parish in Mt. Prospect.

During her time at Alvernia and continuing into her years of parish work, Sister Shirley Patzelt and Bernie organized the Chicago Province Singers, later known as the Chicago Area Singers. This women’s choir, made up of sisters, associates, and friends, sang for Chicago area Jubilees, holiday parties, and other community celebrations. They also regularly performed concerts at Maria Linden in Rockford, Maryhill Convent in Milwaukee, and St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport.

Sister’s third chapter began in 2010 when she moved to Milwaukee and began working with Sister Mary Jane Wagner at St. Joseph Center. Together, they prepared and celebrated daily, Sunday, and feast day liturgies. A highlight for her during these years – which continue today – has been her work with the Chapel Singers for special celebrations.

In her spare time, Bernie enjoys her reputation as the “orchid whisperer.” A former gardener, she has turned to indoor gardening in her apartment at Maria Linden.

Congratulations, Sister Bernadette, and thank you for your 70 years of music ministry in various parishes and schools. Your contributions to the liturgical life at St. Joseph Chapel are much appreciated by all who attend.