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 St. Mary's and St. Patrick High School, graduating in 1933. She 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, St. Michael (Canon and Delta), St. George School, St. Leander and St. Joseph. She also taught at many religious vacation schools in Colorado.

In addition to teaching, she 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.

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