Sister Leocadia Gnidica, OSB papers

Sister Leocadia Gnidica, OSB was born Anna Pauline to Yugoslavian parents on July 29th, 1914 in Pueblo, Colorado. She recieved her primary education at Saint Mary School and Saint Patrick High School, where she graduated in 1933. Sister joined the community on September 8th, 1934, making her final profession in 1939.

Sister attended and graduated from Loyola and DePaul Universities, as well as the National College in Evanston and Southern Colorado University. She taught at various schools in Illinois and Colorado, including Mother of God School, Saint Michael (Canon and Delta), Saint George, Saint Leander and Saint Joseph schools. She also taught at many religious vacation schools in Colorado.

In addition to teaching, Sister served as sacristan in many different parishes. In this role, she laundered and ironed the altar linens and vestments. She was also a talented cook and seamstress, and helped members of the community adjust their wardrobes to contemporary dress following Vatican II.

Sister spent her retirement from teaching visiting the sick and elderly of Saint Mary Parish in their homes. She died on April 13th, 2002 at the age of 87, and is buried in the All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, Illinois.