SINSINAWA, Wis. — Sister Mary Ellen Gevelinger, OP, died March 13, 2024, at her home in Madison, Wis. Her religious name was Sister Marie Alphonse. Natural burial took place March 18 in St. Clara Cemetery, Sinsinawa, Wis. The funeral Mass was held at St. Joseph Chapel at Edgewood College, Madison, Wis., March 27.
Sister Mary Ellen made her first religious profession as a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Aug. 5, 1963, and her perpetual profession Aug. 5, 1968. She received a BA in Latin from Rosary College (now Dominican University), River Forest, Ill., an MA in religious studies from Mundelein College, Chicago; an MA in educational administration from St. Xavier College (now St. Xavier University), Chicago; and an EdD in education leadership from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minn.
Sister Mary Ellen’s ministry was dedicated to education and administration. In Illinois, she taught at Queen of Peace High School, Burbank, and Trinity High School, River Forest. She ministered as dean of students at St. Thomas the Apostle High School and Unity Catholic High School, both Chicago. Sister Mary Ellen was executive assistant to the president at Rosary College (now Dominican University), River Forest. In Minnesota, she taught at Bethlehem Academy, Faribault, and served as principal at Regina High School, Minneapolis. Sister Mary Ellen was director of personnel and planning for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis Office of Catholic Schools. In Wisconsin, she taught at Newman High School, Wausau, and served as professor and later as president (2019-2020) at Edgewood College, Madison. Sister Mary Ellen also ministered as vicaress (2000-2006) and then prioress (2011-2016) of the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation.
Sister Mary Ellen was born May 31, 1943, in Mineral Point, Wis., the daughter of Robert and Margaret (Bradley) Gevelinger. Her parents and a brother, Mark Gevelinger, preceded her in death. She is survived by her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared life for 60 years. Memorials may be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI, 53824-9701 or online at www.sinsinawa.org/donate