Sister Leona (Mary Ambrose) Luechtefeld, ASC, celebrated 83 years as a vowed member of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ on July 1, 2025, in the chapel of Benedictine Living Community at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL. She marked her anniversary with the Eucharist and a reception with the ASC community.
Sister Leona was born in St. Libory, IL, to Libory and Anna Luechtefeld. She made her first profession on July 1, 1942, and her final vows on July 1, 1947. She earned her certificate in Dietetics from Fontbonne University in St. Louis.
Sister Leona spent 34 years in the Food Service and Dietetics ministry, serving in the Illinois parishes of St. Mary in Mount Carmel, St. Mary in Herrin, Saints Peter and Paul in Waterloo, at the Ruma Center in Ruma, IL, and the Bishop’s Residence in Belleville. She served in St. Louis at Our Lady’s House of Studies on the campus of Saint Louis University.
Through a close friend, Sister Mary (Mary Pius) Simpson, Sister Leona became increasingly aware of the plight of the elderly in the East St. Louis area. In 1976, she joined Sister Mary in her advocacy for this group of seniors by working with Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, based in East St. Louis. For over 40 years she was also involved in advocacy and outreach with Programs and Services for Older Persons (PSOP) in Belleville, IL. By 1982, she had added another service by volunteering with the compassionate ministry called Hospice of Southern IL.
Based on her notable and tireless contributions to the welfare of senior citizens, the mayor of Belleville proclaimed a “Sister Leona Luechtefeld Day” in the city. In addition, there is a Sister Leona Luechtefeld Service Award, which is presented each year to persons who exemplify her commitment to service.
Sister Leona moved to Benedictine Living Community in early 2022, along with other Adorers who were Living Mission in Later Life at Ruma. When she reached her 100-year milestone birthday in December 2024, her family arranged a party with the ASC community. They created games about her life, provided prizes for everyone, designed a display of fresh fruits to adorn the buffet, and set out an attractive and nourishing meal. Sister Leona gave a brief speech of thanks to everyone present and gave gratitude to God for her long life. “God is so good!”