American Icon Sister Jean Dies at 106: Traditional Values Face Modern Test

Paul Riverbank, 10/10/2025The passing of Sister Jean at 106 marks a poignant moment in American sports culture, exemplifying how spiritual leadership and athletic passion can transcend age and unite communities. Her story, alongside Martha Stewart's continued influence and gold's record prices, demonstrates enduring value in various forms.

Sister Jean's story wasn't just about basketball. Having joined the Sisters of Charity back in 1937 (when FDR was still president), she spent over 60 years at Loyola Chicago, where students knew her as much for her quick wit as her spiritual guidance. "While we feel grief and loss," Loyola president Mark C. Reed noted yesterday, "there is great joy in her legacy." That legacy, I'd argue, extends far beyond the final buzzer of any game.

What struck me most about Sister Jean was how she managed to stay relevant well past her centennial birthday. Her final message to students this August carried the same optimistic punch that made her famous: "Let your dreams become reality. Don't let anybody stop you." Coming from someone who had seen over a century of American history unfold, those words carry special weight.

Speaking of defying age expectations – though in a markedly different arena – Martha Stewart continues making waves at 84. The entrepreneur recently took to social media to promote her new skincare venture, ELM Biosciences. When a fan asked if she gets "exhausted from serving face all day," Stewart shot back with characteristic directness: "nope life is short!!!"

In an interesting parallel to these stories of endurance, gold prices just pushed past $4,000 per ounce for the first time ever on October 8. As someone who's watched markets for decades, I can tell you this milestone speaks volumes about current economic uncertainties.

But let's circle back to Sister Jean. In my 30-plus years covering American culture and politics, I've seen few figures who so naturally united people across generational and ideological lines. Her passing reminds us that influence isn't about age or title – it's about authenticity and spirit, qualities that seem increasingly rare in our fractured times.

Paul Riverbank is a political commentator and journalist focusing on the intersection of culture, politics, and society.

The passing of Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt at 106 marks more than just the end of a remarkable life – it represents the closing of a chapter in American sports culture that few could have predicted. I've covered countless March Madness tournaments over the years, but nothing quite captured the public's imagination like watching this wheelchair-bound nun, armed with scouting reports and prayers, become the unlikely face of Loyola Chicago's magical 2018 run.Sister Jean's story wasn't just about basketball. Having joined the Sisters of Charity back in 1937 (when FDR was still president), she spent over 60 years at Loyola Chicago, where students knew her as much for her quick wit as her spiritual guidance. "While we feel grief and loss," Loyola president Mark C. Reed noted yesterday, "there is great joy in her legacy." That legacy, I'd argue, extends far beyond the final buzzer of any game.What struck me most about Sister Jean was how she managed to stay relevant well past her centennial birthday. Her final message to students this August carried the same optimistic punch that made her famous: "Let your dreams become reality. Don't let anybody stop you." Coming from someone who had seen over a century of American history unfold, those words carry special weight.Speaking of defying age expectations – though in a markedly different arena – Martha Stewart continues making waves at 84. The entrepreneur recently took to social media to promote her new skincare venture, ELM Biosciences. When a fan asked if she gets "exhausted from serving face all day," Stewart shot back with characteristic directness: "nope life is short!!!"In an interesting parallel to these stories of endurance, gold prices just pushed past $4,000 per ounce for the first time ever on October 8. As someone who's watched markets for decades, I can tell you this milestone speaks volumes about current economic uncertainties.But let's circle back to Sister Jean. In my 30-plus years covering American culture and politics, I've seen few figures who so naturally united people across generational and ideological lines. Her passing reminds us that influence isn't about age or title – it's about authenticity and spirit, qualities that seem increasingly rare in our fractured times.Paul Riverbank is a political commentator and journalist focusing on the intersection of culture, politics, and society.