Sister Eleanore Hillenbrand, OSB papers

Sister Eleanore Hillenbrand, OSB was born Rita Celeste on January 21st, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois. She recieved her primary school education from Saint Hilary School, where she was confirmed in 1933, before choosing to attend Saint Scholastica Academy in Chicago. After graduation, Sister entered the community on September 8th, 1942, taking the name of her godmother, Eleanore, as a novice. She made her first vows on August 18th, 1944, and her uncle, Monsignor Frederick Hillenbrand, attended the Reception Mass. Sister made her final profession on August 18th, 1947.

Sister Eleanor earned her Bachelor of Philosophy degree as well as a Master of Art in English from DePaul University. She also attended a Health Eucation course at Mundelein College in 1963, and completed several Library Science courses at the University of Utah and Felician College. Sister primarily served as a teacher in various parochial schools in Illinois and Colorado. In Colorado, she taught at Saint Michael School and Saint Scholastica Academy in Canon City, while in Illinois, she taught at Saint Hilary, Saint Symphorosa, Saint Lambert, and at Saint Scholastica High School Chicago, where she spent the majority of her teaching career. At Saint Scholastica High School, Sister also served as the Directress of Studies, arranging for teaching Sisters to earn their Illinois certifications.

In community, Sister served as an Executive Secretary to two Prioresses, Sister Ann Sharp, OSB and Sister Mary Ann O'Ryan, OSB. She spent many years coordinating priory services, supervising the housekeeping staff at the monastery, working in the monastic library at Saint Joseph Court, and serving as sacristan as needed. Sister also assisted Sister Vivian Ivantic, OSB in her work at the Saint Scholastica Monastery Archives, travelling with her to visit and photograph places significant to the community's history.

In Sister Eleanore's personal life she was an avid gardener and photographer. She also kept significant correspondence with men and women in prison, frequently wrote to elected officials, and kept in touch with devoted students, family and friends.

Sister died on October 29th, 2019, donating her body to science.