Jubilarian 2023 - Sister Bernadette Eaton

Sister Bernadette was born in Peoria, Illinois, in 1929 to Herbert and Hermina Eaton. She had four brothers and two sisters. She graduated from St. Mark’s School and the Academy of Our Lady. In 1948, she was received into the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet as Sister Rose Hermina. Sister Bernadette earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Fontbonne College.

Sister Bernadette began her career teaching on the elementary level at St. Joseph Home for the Friendless in Chicago in 1950. In 1952, she taught in Kansas City, Missouri, at Visitation Grade School.

In 1953, Sister Bernadette returned to the Archdiocese of Chicago where she served 52 years, dedicated to the children at St. Joseph Carondelet Child Center, formerly known as St. Joseph Home for the Friendless. Sister Bernadette worked with the children as dorm supervisor and teacher for 33 years. She then served as the medical coordinator in 1986 until the center closed in 2005.

From 2005 to 2021, Sister Bernadette served the Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of Chicago as the project coordinator to the Office of the President. Sister Bernadette retired in 2021 and continues to volunteer.

Sister Bernadette was the volunteer sacristan at Mercy Hospital until it closed in May 2021. She now volunteers as sacristan at Catholic Charities in Chicago. She is known as someone who has a great love of cats so she volunteers weekly at the Lincoln Park Cat and Dog Clinic. At the age of 93, she still navigates Chicago through public transportation.

Throughout her career Sister Bernadette was an active craft maker. In 1988, she was the recipient of the “Friend of St. Joseph Award.” The chapel at the children’s home was named “The Sister Bernadette Eaton Chapel” in honor of her 50th jubilee.

Click here to make a donation in honor of Sister Bernadette.