Sister Henrietta Hibbs, C.S.J.
Sister Henrietta Hibbs, C. S. J., age 99. Beloved member of the Congregation of St. Joseph of LaGrange, celebrating 82 years of Religious Life. Loving daughter of the late Henry and Louise (nee Phillip) Hibbs. Cherished sister of the late: Jimmy Hibbs, Robert Hibbs, Frances (Ivo) Barnett, Gertrude (Vern) Solawetz, Loretta (Charles) Copley and Edwin (Judy) Hibbs. Dear aunt of many, many, many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews, all of whom she dearly loved. Sr. Henrietta earned her Ph. B. from DePaul University and her M. Ed from Loyola University. She was a fine educator in many schools staffed by The Sisters of St. Joseph, including St. Margaret Mary, Mt. Carmel, St. Anthony, Alexine Learning Center Mt. Carmel and St. John Fisher. She also always found time to spread the gospel message beyond the classroom, especially to the poor and marginalized. She volunteered at homeless shelters, organized food and clothing drives, and visited the sick and homebound. Perhaps it was her early days in Texas that prompted Sr. Henrietta to respond when the LaGrange community was asked to work with several parishes in Mississippi. Her parish work included regular visits to the Parchman Prison, where she helped plan retreat experiences for the women who were incarcerated. Sr. Henrietta had a profound effect on the lives of so many as teacher, principal, pastoral care leader, and faithful servant of God and God’s people. Visitation 8:30am until Funeral Liturgy at 10am Friday, October 3, 2025 at Alexine Chapel of The Congregation of St. Joseph, 1515 W. Ogden Ave., LaGrange Park, IL. 60526. Interment to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to The Congregation of St. Joseph, or Sacred Heart Southern Missions or Glenmary Home Missioners appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home at 708/352-6500 or www.hjfunerals.com
What a blessing to have Sr Henrietta in our lives. She was always visiting us kids with the Nun’s to give my Mom a break. They would bring their guitar’s and sing to us. We would go to LaGrange and have picnics and swim in the cement pond (lol). The stories she would share about her childhood were always interesting. She has a special place in my heart always. I miss you already Sr. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Sister Henrietta had a heart of gold. Always serving & giving her time & talents to others. She crocheted hats for those who were in need all the way up to a month before she passed away. She always helped our Mom with all 9 of us Carey kids. There was always a birthday card coming in the mail. I remember the picnic she took our whole family to. First time we had Kentucky Fried Chicken. Her stories of family of days gone by were so entertaining. She was so special. We look forward to rejoicing with her in heaven one day. ❤️
Dear kind, selfless, giving Sr. Henrietta I shall always remember!! I first met her 11 years ago while working for the sisters. She had a warm smile, and I watched how she helped in anyway she could the sisters who might need some extra help or anyone in need!! She was so faithful helping Sr. Bonnie our 101 year old sister then, and in anyway she could be of help at the CSJ Center!!! She was always active participating in all activities, weekly bingo, movies, art, coloring, and all outings we shared over the years I was there!! She was an artist in many ways, and would always help me to create a Christmas gift for each of the sisters, & leave on their shelf outside their doors. She knitted hats & scarfs for the Lakota children in South Dakota to help them in their cold winters, and sent them with her own income. She shared with me stories of her younger years before becoming a sister, and when she became a Sr. Of St. Joseph. She loved her fellow sisters!! She loved all her family, and was able to see her nephew and his four sons, (her great nephews ) from time to time. This brought her great joy!! She remembered them in her prayers, and I would take her out to buy them Christmas gifts. She loved being a Sister of St. Joseph, and servant of God!!!! I am a better person for having been given the gift of knowing & serving Sr. Henrietta!!! With Love, Janet Owens