When Sister Eleanora Marie Maurer, OSF, is asked what she misses most about St. Mary's Hospital, she can answer without hesitation – “the staff.”

Many staff members miss Sister Eleanora’s daily presence around the hospital as well. Her retirement marked the end of an era. For the first time in its history, St. Mary's Hospital did not have one of the Hospital Sisters on staff. As May brings a close to the first full year of Sister Eleanora’s retirement, many of her friends may be wondering how she’s spending her days at the Motherhouse in Springfield.

“I go to Mass every morning and evening prayer each day,” Sister Eleanora said. But aside from that, “every day is kind of different.”

She spends Monday mornings working at the information desk of St. John’s Hospital where she answers questions and guides patients and visitors through the building which has changed significantly since she spent three years working there shortly after entering the Order in 1941. Typically, she spends Monday mornings working the information desk at St. John’s. Other times, she volunteers at the Motherhouse front entrance where she similarly guides guests. The Sisters spend their evenings in a number of ways. They may choose to play cards, work on a puzzle or watch television in a common room.

One of the reasons Sister Eleanora looked forward to retirement was for the opportunity to rekindle many old friendships. She spends time on the second floor of the Motherhouse which is home to the Sisters who are unable to get around easily. Sister Eleanora visits with them, including Sister Maxine Frichtl who served as a nurse anesthesist at St. Mary’s.

One of her close friends was Sister Catherine Wissen, who also served here at St. Mary’s. The two Sisters lived together in Streator for many years. Sister Catherine retired to the Motherhouse in 2000. They enjoyed being reunited after Sister Eleanora’s retirement, but Sister Catherine grew ill. Sister Eleanora spent a lot of time at her dear friend’s bedside and even spent the night to be near if needed. On November 14 at 5 a.m., she felt a need to be with Sister Catherine, though this was not the normal time of her frequent visits. A nurse stopped her to let her know that Sister Catherine did not have much time left. Sister Eleanora was alone by Sister Catherine’s side when she passed away.

“She died a beautiful death,” said Sister Eleanora. “It was so peaceful. She had a little smile on her face. I started to say the Hail Mary with her, and she took one last breath and was gone.”

Both Sister Eleanora and Brian Blasco, Communications Coordinator for the Hospital Sisters and former St. Mary’s employee, sincerely appreciated the response from St. Mary's Hospital following Sister Catherine’s death. Brian specifically mentioned how grateful the Sisters were that the hospital held a memorial service in the Chapel in Sister Catherine’s honor.

Sister Eleanora is quick to point out that she has had many happy moments since her retirement as well. She has come to the Motherhouse at a very exciting time. Several construction projects are underway, including the new Chiara Center, Mission Outreach facility and the Adoration Chapel renovations. She and the other Sisters tour the grounds in the summer in golf carts to view the progress.

Her other activities have included taking a spirituality class, traveling to St. Louis and Belleville with visiting International Sisters, and returning to her hometown of Red Bud, Ill., where her sister still resides.

One of the highlights was a trip to see her beloved St. Louis Cardinals play. Before her departure from St. Mary’s, the hospital presented Sister Eleanora with a gift of tickets for six box seats in the Batter’s Eye Club and a limousine ride from the Motherhouse to Busch Stadium. She and the five Sisters who joined her had a wonderful time enjoying all the food and taking in the game.

“Our driver was just this tiny little thing,” laughed Sister Eleanora. “We couldn’t believe she could drive this big stretch limo. But she did a wonderful job.”

Sister Eleanora now lives in Sister Catherine’s former room at the Motherhouse. When another Sister needed a room closer to the dining hall, Sister volunteered to give up her room if she could move into Sister Catherine’s room.

“It’s nice that Sister Eleanora is in that room,” Brian stated. “It helps keep Sister Catherine’s spirit alive and still with us. Sister Eleanora is carrying on her work.”

Sister Eleanora often thinks about her many friends at St. Mary’s and still misses them. “I have so many friends there. This Christmas, I received 55 Christmas cards!”

She would like the staff of St. Mary's Hospital to know that she remembers them in her daily prayers as they perform their work to continue the Hospital Sisters’ Mission of continuing Christ’s healing Ministry.