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Lucille McKillop Obituary
Sister Lucille (Hugh) McKillop RSM Entered the Sisters of Mercy, Regional Community of Chicago in 1944 and dedicated her life to teaching and administration in Catholic Schools of Chicago and Ottawa, IL and Newport, Rhode Island. Daughter of Daniel and Catherine (nee Hamill) McKillop of County Antrim, Ireland, she is survived by her sister, Sister Roselina McKillop, the children of her sister, Kathleen (RIP) and brother-in-law, Raymond Mueller (RIP): Sue (Ryan), wife of their son, Daniel (RIP), Raymond (Elaine DeSantis), Timothy (Kathy Crawley), William (Sandy Carter), Kathleen (Paul Kiser) and their children: nineteen grandnieces and nephews, a great-niece and nephew; and her many cousins and friends. Born in Chicago, Sister Lucille graduated from Resurrection grade school and Siena High School, before earning her BA from St. Xavier College, MS, from the University of Notre Dame, and Ph.D., from the University of Wisconsin. She was a dedicated teacher in St. Patrick Academy, St. Xavier Academy, Siena High School and Marquette High School, (Ottawa) before joining the St. Xavier College Faculty, where she served as Chair of the Mathematics Department and of the Division of Liberal Arts and Humanities. In 1973, Sister Lucille was appointed to Salve Regina College in Newport, Rhode Island, where she was its President for 21 years. Under her leadership the College was known as a "turn-around" College and was accredited as a University in 1990. In 1994, she returned to Chicago after being elected to serve as President of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Regional Community of Chicago. A member of the Board of Directors of Mercy Hospital and Medical Center since, she also served on numerous Boards of Trustees of educational institutions: Mount Aloysius College, Cresson, PA; Rivier College, Nashua, NH; Portsmouth Abbey School, Portsmouth, RI; St. Xavier University and Mother McAuley High School, Chicago, IL, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities; Executive Committee of the American Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities. She was a charter member of the Mercy Higher Education Association, Chair for five years of the Association of (20) Mercy Colleges and Universities, and Chair for four years of the Rhode Island Independent Higher Education Association. She served as the chair of Haitian Refugees in Washington, D.C. and was active in the early seventies in Ames try International, The Governor (s) of Rhode Island appointed Sister Lucille to the commissions studying Postsecondary Education; Legislative compensation for members of the General Assembly; Public Telecommunications; Financial Operations of State/Local Governments and their Interrelationships in Delivering Public Service. The RI Supreme Court appointed her to its commission on Mandatory Legal Education for Attorneys. She was elected to the RI Board of Directors of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Executive Board of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Directors of the Newport Music Festival, the RI Committee for the Humanities, the Board of Directors of RI Hospital Trust National Bank. Sister Lucille's honors include the Brigid Award, received with her sister, Sister Roselina, from Concern/Worldwide for "committed ability, compassion and caring," the Cuchulain Award for 'outstanding courage and integrity," Distinguished Service Medals from the State of Rhode Island and from the City of Newport. The Newport County Chamber of Commerce named her its Woman of the Year (1981). She received the Person of the Year (1989) Brotherhood Award from the Southeastern New England branch of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Hope Award from the RI Knights of Columbus and the Mercy Higher Eduation Award (1989) for Excellence and Leadership in Higher Education. Saint Xavier University awarded her its McGuire Award, its Distinguished Alumni Award and the Shield of Saint Xavier University (2003) for "extraordinary leadership of Catholic higher education and lifelong dedication to the Mercy tradition of faith, caring and justice." She was friend and mentor to students, advisor and colleague to many religous communities, and compassionate to all she met. Visitation Monday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Mercy Chapel, 3701 W. 99th St., Chicago. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, March 4th, at 10:30 a.m., at the Mercy Chapel. Interment Mt. Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Scholarship Fund for St. Xavier University, Chicago or Salve Regina College in Rhode Island. For info call: Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 708-636-1193. 
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Memories and Condolences
for Lucille McKillop
John Heider
March 4, 2023
When I was in high school {Br.Rice), I worked at St Xav's cleaning classrooms and staff offices. I cleaned Sisters'. She was a marvelous lady.
Bernard Redfield
February 13, 2009
Sister Lucille McKillop was like my second mother. I loved her dearly. She had such a profound effect on my life. As an African-American, I was extremely appreciative of her kindness toward me. I will never forget her. And, I will always deeply love her.
Ann Gleavy
April 7, 2008
Dear Family of Sr. Lucille's;
Wow Heaven has got a wonderful angel that was called home. I was so saddened by the news of her passing. She touched me in so many ways, her love and compassion at Salve and for the us as students can not be compared. She gave us compassion and a lot of laughs. The friends I met at Salve are still as close to me as my family is and Sr had a major part to do with that. You are all in my prayers. And I know she's looking down and smiling on each and everyone of us and can't wait to give us all hugs when we meet her. God Bless Ann Gleavy
Jane and Jim Parker
March 5, 2008
Dear Roselina and Family: We had a chance to visit with most of your family during the wake and funeral services which were beautiful and so fitting for such a lady and a wonderful, compassionate person. Jim and I send you our most sincere sympathies along with our children, Sandra, Jim, Kathleen, Sheila and Bruce and all the members of their families. Sister Roselina and Lucille touched all members of our families in so many ways. She will be missed for her compassion and all she did for all she met. Janie and Jim Parker
Dotty Valintis
March 4, 2008
Sister Rosalina,
I'm saddened by the death of Sister Lucille and am so sorry that I was not able to join in the tribute to her. She touched my life so deeply and I will always treasure her memory. She was a great woman.
I offer my sincerest sympathy and prayers for you and your family in this time of grief.
Dotty Flaiz Valintis
Frank and Bernadette Moniz
March 3, 2008
Sister Roselina,
Frank and I were sadden to hear of Sister Lucille's passing. We wish we could be there with you during this time. I have many fond memories of my days at Salve Regina with you and Sister Lucille. Blessings to you and your family members. We will keep you all in our prayers.
Patricia Sullivan, RSM
March 3, 2008
Dear Sisters Rosilina and of Mercy,
I extend my deepest sympathy to you on the death of your dear Sister Lucille and mine too. We all hold beautiful memories of a gracious, compassionate, loving, and life-giving woman--wonderful memories of her that we all cherish. May she rest in peace and may you all be blessed with the peace that only God can give.
Shannon Moniz-Drost
March 3, 2008
Sr. Roselina -
I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember my time with Sr. Lucille at Salve fondly. May the Lord grant you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Pat (Sullivan)Marrazz
March 3, 2008
To the family of Sister Hughes: I will always remember her Algebra and Geometry classes with that beautiful smile! She made HS bearable and kept me from becoming a total failure. My prayers are with all of your family, and may she watch over all of us from her well deserved place in Heaven. (Siena HS, class of 1956)
Peggy Denness
March 3, 2008
My deepest sympathies at the passing of Sister Lucille. As a young Catholic woman, she had a tremendous impact on my formation as a woman and a Catholic. She was always a role model of the peace and serenity of a life lived according God's will and the courage and strength that comes from knowing you have that power at your disposal. She shaped the lives of may men and women, always presenting a life lived according to the faith and love that comes from being a true Christian.
I think of her often and of the love that she shared with many.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family and her spiritual family with the community.
Sincerely,
Peggy Denness
Salve Regina Class of 1984
Richard and Maura Dixon
March 3, 2008
Dear Sr. Rosalina
Maura and I were so sad to hear about Sr. Lucille's passing - and we're very sorry we won't be with you to celebrate her life.
Maureen Munroe
March 3, 2008
Dear Sr. Roselina,
I was so sorry to hear about your sister.
When my father introduced you and your sister Lucille to our family so many years ago, I remember feeling truly blessed to have such wonderful. loving people in our lives. I also remember laughing a lot! We have so many fond memories of Sr. Lucille and the wonderful friendship she had with my dad.
I know that I speak for my entire family when I say that we always looked forward to our trips up to Salve knowing that we would be spending time with the two of you!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
God Bless,
Maureen Durkin Lucore
March 3, 2008
To Sr. Hugh's family,
We at Siena High School were blessed to have her in our midst. She was an inspiration to all of us. I was present when she and Sr. Rosalena received the well-deserved Brigid award. Her kindness in attending the Class of 1955 reunions will not be forgotten.
Donna Eisinger
March 3, 2008
I especially remember Sr. Hugh from Siena High School. I always felt she was so young and truly related to us teen-agers in a special way.
Donna (Williams) Eisinger
Surprise,
Arizona
Wendy (Geer) Ferrara
March 3, 2008
Dear Sr. Roselina,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I have so many wonderful memories of Sr. Lucille when I was a student. She was a beautiful person. She will be greatly missed.
love
wendy
Mary Pat Lyons O'Connor
March 3, 2008
Dearest Roselina and family,
I'm in Ireland otherwise would be with you to celebrate Lucille. She was a most wonderful woman. Getting to know and love her was one of my life's greatest blessings.
Bruce & Joanne Parker
March 2, 2008
We have many fond memories and will always cherish the moments. We will miss you. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Barrett Barb & Tom
March 2, 2008
Sister Rosalina: Please be assured that we will remember Sister Hugh in our prayers. We were very sorry to hear of her passing. We hope and pray that God will grant you comfort in your time of grief.
Jodi Walsh
March 2, 2008
Sr. Roselina-
My thoughts and prayers are with you today and always. If it weren't for you and Sr. Lucille I wouldn't have found my way to Salve. You were both a source of strength to me while I was hundreds of miles from my family. Salve is a wonderful institution becuase of Sr. Lucille's hard work and dedication!
I will be on a business trip on Monday, but will attend the funeral on Tuesday.
Sr. Lucille will be missed, but we all have one more Angel to watch over us.
Love and Prayers,
Jodi Blair Walsh
SRU class of 95'
Sallie Geer
March 2, 2008
Dear Sr. Roselina:
Jim and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Sr. Lucille was one of the greatest and most caring individuals
we have ever met. We will keep you in our prayers.
God Bless you.
Fondly, Sallie & Jim
Jeanne Meyer- Fitzgerald
March 2, 2008
To Sister Hugh's Family
Sister Hugh was my Algebra teaher at Siena. Thru the years I have talked about her many times, and will alway remember her.
Class of 1958
Kathleen Kiernan-Voss
March 2, 2008
Dear Sister Rosalina and Family,
Sister Lucille was such a wonderful person! Her warmth and grace touched so many of her students. I am proud to have been one of them. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom and Lucile Flanagan
March 2, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Mary Ann & Shaun Steen
March 1, 2008
You are all in our prayers.I had Sister Hugh for Algebra at Sienna. We visited her at the convent on our Wedding Day.
Pat Vasta, IHM
March 1, 2008
In my time, she was known as Sr. Mary Hugh and was far more than a great math teacher at Siena even back in the '50's. I celebrate her life and wonderful gifts.
Melissa Mueller
March 1, 2008
Aunt Lucille was one of the most kindest, caring, and compassionate women I have ever known. I will never forget her constant encouragement to follow my heart.
She was an inspiration to all that she knew and loved. I will never forget her kind and warming presence. One lesson I learned from Aunt Lucille is that life isn't about myself. It is about using the power of determination and faith to help and encourage those that need it.
--I love you Auntie Lucille-- May your spirit rise into the heavens but live within us.
Karen Lasater
March 1, 2008
My Dear Distant Cousins,
I am so sorry to hear of Lucille's passing, but what a celebration in heaven! I know Mom (Betty Lou) has her by the hand and is giving her the tour. Unfortunately, it seems that more family members are in heaven than here; how lucky for them.
I unfortunately will not be able to attend, ice/snow Sunday into Monday.
Please give Roselina the sofetest hug for me that you can. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Marilyn Williams
March 1, 2008
To the family of Sister Hugh:
She was very special to me. I will always remember her kindness to me at Siena. God will surely bless her.
Marilyn Carpino-Williams
Siena Class of 1956
Virginia Beverly Sansone
March 1, 2008
Sister Lucille was my geometry teacher at Siena High School in the '50s. Everyone loved her because of her caring ways. Sister Lucille was a shining example to all of us girls. I am privileged to have known her.
Joe Mahoney Jr.
March 1, 2008
Dear McKillup family. We share your sorrow but we rejoice that Sister Lucille is with our Lord. Sister Lucille and my mother were close friends in HS. She was truely a wonderful giving person. The Chicago, West Side Irish are honored that you are one of us.
Ray & Mary (Steen) Bendig
March 1, 2008
Sister Lucille was an extraordinary woman in extraordinary times. May she rest in peace. Her legacy will be her dedication to her chosen work in a full, Christian life. Ray and Mary Steen Bendig, Niles Renaissance.
Paul Slosar
March 1, 2008
Sister Rosalina,
Maureen and I are saddened at your sister's death. We were not able to attend the wake or Mass as Mureen has not been feeling well. Our prayers are with you......Paul Slosar
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