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Dominican Sister of Peace Sr. June Engelbrecht, OP 

Dominican Sister of Peace June Engelbrecht, OP (84), a native of New Orleans, LA, died on January 25, 2025, at Mohun Health Care Center, Columbus, OH. 
 
June Claire was born to Alma Patterson and Herbert W. Engelbrecht on June 22, 1940. She entered the congregation in 1959 and spent the next 64 years in service to God’s people. 
 
Sr. June earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Secondary Education from St. Mary’s Dominican College, New Orleans, LA, and a master's in religious studies from Providence College, RI. In addition to her degrees, she earned certificates in Spirituality, Pastoral Ministry, and completed her CPE for Hospice Chaplaincy. 

Sr. June began her ministry as an educator in various Catholic schools across Louisiana. She later transitioned into pastoral and parish ministry, serving for many years. She then focused on spiritual direction at Rosaryville Life Center before using her certifications as a Chaplain, Bereavement Coordinator, and Hospice Program minister, all within Louisiana. After a brief time in Campus Ministry at St. Mary’s Dominican High School, her final ministry of prayer and presence led her to Columbus in 2021. 

While Sr. June was deeply dedicated to all her ministries, her role as a Hospice Chaplain held a special place in her heart. She cherished the opportunity to walk alongside patients and their families during times of challenge, and the lessons they taught her were invaluable. 

In her letter to the congregation, Sr. Pat Twohill remembered: “When we made the decision to become Dominican Sisters of Peace, June explained it through a scientific lens. She compared our union to the natural world, predicting that, like plants in nature, we would experience what she called 'Hybrid Vitality'—the flourishing that happens when living organisms are grafted together.” We were and continue to be blessed by her prophetic teaching. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Alma Patterson Engelbrecht, and her brother, Reverend Henry Engelbrecht. She is survived by several cousins. 

A Vigil of Remembrance Service was held on February 3, 2025, at the Dominican Sisters of Peace Motherhouse Chapel, Columbus, Ohio. The funeral liturgy followed on February 4, 2025. Burial will take place at a later date at Rosaryville Cemetery in New Orleans. 

Memorial gifts in Sister June’s memory may be submitted securely online or sent to the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr, Columbus, OH 43219. 

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