Happy 99th birthday, Sister Benedicta “Bernie” Feeney!

Loretto Sister Benedicta Feeney – fondly known as Bernie — turns 99 today! She is the senior-most Loretto vowed member, though she quickly notes that Loretto Sister Kathleen Tighe is right behind her. (Kathleen will turn 99 on Jan. 3, 2026.)

Bernie credits both her mothers for her long life: her own mother and the Blessed Mother. “My mom passed along her longevity,” she said, noting that her mother lived into her 90s, as did her two sisters. Her brothers, both of whom had cancer, lived into their late 70s and early 80s.

Her affection for the Blessed Mother is especially strong, in part, “because she showed the children at Fatima how to pray the rosary. The rosary became very important in my life, so I try to say it every day,“ Bernie shared – a practice she recommends to all.

Born in 1926, the year of the U.S. sesquicentennial, Bernie grew up on a farm in the village of Ivesdale, Ill., 19 miles outside of Champaign. She was taught by Benedictines. It wasn’t until she attended Webster College in St. Louis that she met the Sisters of Loretto. She was received into the congregation in 1946.

As a Sister of Loretto, Bernie taught for many years, later serving the Denver Archdiocese as a leasing coordinator for low-income housing and volunteering with Catholic Charities. Whatever she did, she enjoyed. “I had wonderful experiences and have much to be grateful for,” she said.

A resident now of Loretto Living Center, Bernie enjoys regular exercises and good conversations. “It is very pleasant, a very nice place, and the people are very professional and very kind. You could not ask for any place nicer.”

Asked for what advice she might give others on how to go about living a long life, Bernie first joked, “I don’t understand it myself how I came to be 99.” Then she added, “Take every day to be fully alive. Enjoy and be appreciative and involved.” Bernie certainly exemplifies that to a “T.”