Madonna Della Strada Chapel on Loyola University’s Rogers Park campus was packed Wednesday night, a sea of formal wear contrasting Loyola merchandise and backpacks worn by students who came to memorialize the woman made famous through prayer and basketball.

It was the first day of services for Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, whose funeral is scheduled for Thursday morning .

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias arrived early Wednesday to pay their respects at Sister Jean’s wake. Following remarks from several high-profile Loyola figures, President Mark Reed among them, a line of students and alumni wrapped out the door and around the building for visitation.

“Through her own gentle touch, her presence, her look, her comments left a mark on your life,”

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