Sr. M. Eleanore Van De Walle

Sister M.  Eleanore Van De WalleBorn into this world December 28, 1914Entered into Eternal Life February 26, 2009Sister M. Eleanore Van de Walle died February 26, 2009 at the age of 94, following a long illness.  She was living in Camilla Hall at St. Joseph Center in Tipton, Indiana at the time of her death.  Emma Emily Van De Walle was born December 28, 1914 to Camiel August Van De Walle and Mary Cecelia De Rycke in South Bend, Indiana.  She was preceded in death by her parents as well as two sisters - Christine Chrisman and Josephine Tschida and a brother, Charles Van De Walle.  Surviving are her sister, Marcella Swilley, of Three Rivers, Michigan; two nieces and several cousins. Emma entered the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Tipton on August 26, 1929, received the habit and began her novitiate on July 2, 1931, made first vows on July 2, 1933 and her perpetual profession of vows on July 2, 1936.  Sister Eleanore gave her heart and soul to serving God and the Church as a Sister of St. Joseph for 80 years.She graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in Tipton in 1933 and St. Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana in 1936.  She taught in the parochial schools of the congregation in Indiana for 24 years, including St. John’s in Tipton, St. Mary’s in Union City, St. Patrick’s in Kokomo, St. Matthew’s in South Bend and St. Joseph’s in Elwood.  Sister also ministered for many years as the Supervisor of the Cafeteria at St. Joseph Hospital in Kokomo as well as in general office work and as a Dietician Aide there.When Sister Eleanore returned to the motherhouse in 1980, she served as driver for the sisters and also became the care-giver for Adrian Quinn, who was vision impaired and lived and worked on the campus for much of his life.  Sister Eleanore faithfully helped Adrian to maintain a very active life for many years.   In later years she had a favorite rocker in her room in which she sat and prayed her favorite prayer, the rosary, for others.  During her own years of illness she so appreciated the visits, prayers and songs of those who stopped to see her.Sr. Eleanore’s body will be welcomed home to St. Joseph Center at 3:30 p.m on Wednesday, March 4.  A Prayer Service, also on March 4, will be held in the Chapel at 6:00 p.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Michael Kettron and Fr. Keith Hosey in the Chapel at St. Joseph Center on Thursday, March 5 at 10:30 a.m. followed by burial in the St. Joseph Cemetery on the grounds.   Young-Nichols Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.May Sr. Eleanore rest in the eternal peace of Christ.