WEST PEORIA – A Mass of Christian Burial Burial was held on Monday, Dec. 2 here for Sister Mary Dries, O.S.F.

Sister Mary Dries, 80, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception, died on November 26, 2024, at Richard Owens Hospice Home, Peoria.

Sister Mary was born in Peoria, Illinois, the daughter of Clement and Evelyn (Hennessy) Dries.

She entered the congregation on September 8, 1962 and was in her 59th year of religious profession. She earned a BA from Bradley University, Peoria, IL, and a MSW in Social Work from the University of Illinois in Champaign, IL.

MINISTRY BEGAN IN 1965

Sister began her ministry in 1965, ministering at schools in Moline, Pekin, and Normal as a teacher. She also ministered as a social worker at Guardian Angel Home, Peoria; St. Clare Home, Peoria; and St Joseph’s Home of Springfield. She was co-administrator at St. Joseph’s Home of Peoria for 24 years.

Sister had a great love for working with children, the poor, and the elderly in her years of ministry.

In addition to the Franciscan sisters with whom she shared her life, Sister Mary is survived by two brothers, Clement (Cathy) Dries and Raymond Dries, and many beloved nieces and nephews, their children, and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation was held at Immaculate Conception Convent, 2408 West Heading Avenue, West Peoria, on Monday, December 2,  followed by a Mass of Christian Burial later that same day with Father William Miller as presider. Burial was held on Tuesday, Dec. 3 with prayers in the motherhouse chapel followed by a procession to St. Mary’s Cemetery on Sterling Avenue, West Peoria.

In keeping with Sister Mary’s love of the poor, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Those who wish to do so are encouraged to log onto www.wrightandsalmon.com to sign the online guestbook, submit photos and share Sister Mary’s memorial page via social media.