“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” —Micah 6:8
Sister Mary Geraldine Yelich, 95, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth (SCL) for 76 years, died on December 23, 2025. Born Mary Margaret Yelich on October 23, 1930, in Red Lodge, Montana, she was one of five children of Joseph and Anna (née Svetich) Yelich.
Mary Margaret grew up in Red Lodge, Montana, where she attended Lincoln and Roosevelt grade schools. With no Catholic school in the community, she attended public school through her sophomore year. Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary traveled during the summers from Washington and Oregon to provide religious education for local children, nurturing her early faith and planting seeds that would later flourish. She completed her high school education at Cathedral High School in Helena, Montana.
Mary Margaret’s first encounters with the SCLs occurred when she was a young child, observing Sisters caring for children at what was then known as the “Crippled Children’s Camp” near Red Lodge. A decade later, two SCLs arrived to teach summer religion classes in her hometown, deepening her connection to the SCL Community. Through their encouragement, she attended Cathedral High School in Helena, where she worked alongside a friend preparing meals for the Sisters. She later assisted with meal preparation during a summer session in Deer Lodge, an experience that further acquainted her with the Sisters’ way of life.
Mary Margaret enrolled at Saint Mary College in Leavenworth, Kansas, in August 1948, on scholarship, supported by the Sisters in Helena. While grateful for college life, she felt increasingly drawn to religious life. Inspired by the Sisters’ joy, simplicity, and sense of community, she discerned a call to serve the Church as a Sister of Charity. She entered the novitiate on August 18, 1949, taking the name Sister Mary Geraldine upon receiving her habit.
Sister Mary Geraldine earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education from Saint Mary College. Her ministry reflected a lifelong commitment to Catholic education and strong, steady leadership. She began teaching at Blessed Sacrament School in Kansas City, Kansas, where she served from 1951 to 1959, and later taught and served as principal in schools throughout Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri.
Former students remembered Sister Mary Geraldine as a firm but fair educator who inspired excellence. Known affectionately by some as “Sister Jellybean,” she held high standards, expected students to do their best, and treated all with fairness. She also fostered a deep love of music, skillfully harmonizing student choirs and helping generations of children experience the beauty of the liturgy through song.
Following her years in school administration, Sister Mary Geraldine joined other SCLs at Quindaro House in Kansas City, Kansas. There she continued sharing her gifts through the Foster Grandparent Program, tutoring elementary students, teenagers preparing for the GED, and at-risk high school students. She also ministered through Catholic Charities and All Saints School and was active with Wyandotte Interfaith Sponsoring Council (WISC), reflecting her enduring commitment to social justice.
Sister Mary Geraldine moved to the Mother House in Leavenworth in December 2012, where she continued in volunteer ministry until 2019. She then retired to Ross Hall, where she devoted her later years to a ministry of prayer and presence.
Throughout her life, Sister Mary Geraldine was known for her strong moral convictions and unwavering advocacy for what was right. She held a special concern for unborn children and children with health challenges, praying faithfully for them. Her devotion to the Eucharist was central to her spirituality, and she cherished the gift of receiving Communion daily. She was deeply grateful for her vocation and often expressed her appreciation for the love and support of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, with whom she shared life and mission for more than seven decades.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her brothers, Joseph and Jack; and her sister, JoAnne Nauman. Survivors include her sister, Lucy Guilbault, Lakeside, MT, nieces, nephews, friends, and the SCL Community.
A vigil will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026, in Ross Chapel of the Sisters of Charity Mother House in Leavenworth. A Rosary will be prayed at 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, in Ross Chapel, with the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., also in Ross Chapel. Interment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery on the Mother House grounds. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Retirement Fund, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, KS 66048.
