Dominican Sister of Peace Judene Lillie, OP, (95), a native of Menlo, IA, died at Mohun Health Care Center, Columbus, OH, on July 30, 2026.
Born in 1930 to Margaret Irene Farrell and James Dominic Lillie, Sr. Judene entered the Congregation of St. Mary's Dominican in New Orleans, now part of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, in 1951 and made her Profession in 1953. For more than six decades, she faithfully served God's people through ministries marked by compassion, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the Gospel.
Sr. Judene earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from St. Mary’s Dominican College in New Orleans and a Master of Business Administration from Loyola University, New Orleans. She put her education and gifts for administration and finance to work in a variety of ministries, beginning as a teacher in Louisiana and later serving as treasurer and bookkeeper in Louisiana and Massachusetts. She spent 26 years as Treasurer of St. Mary’s Dominican College, navigating the college through challenging financial years until its closure in the mid-1980s.
Following a period of prayerful discernment, Sr. Judene accepted a position managing the finances of Temple Emunah, where she was widely respected for her dedication, warmth, and professionalism. She viewed the role as an opportunity to build bridges between faiths, sharing her Catholic tradition while deepening her appreciation of Judaism.
She later served for 23 years as an Associate Judge and Assessor for the Metropolitan Tribunal in New Orleans, where her knowledge of canon law supported her compassionate service to those seeking resolution through the annulment process.
In her reflection to the congregation, Sr. Pat Twohill recalled words Sr. Judene once wrote: "There is no retirement from religious life, so I strive to live out whatever God is calling me to be." Sr. Pat observed that Judene embodied those words throughout her many ministries and later as a member of both the Columbus Motherhouse and Mohun communities. Her kindness, understanding, and gentle smile reflected the inner peace and deep love of God that guided her life.
In her reflection at Sr. Judene’s funeral, Sr. Therese Leckert shared that Judene truly strived to live those words, trusting in God through the challenges and limitations she encountered throughout her life. Even in her later years, when pain and limited mobility made life difficult, Judene remained attentive to others, a good listener, and deeply concerned about the lives of those around her.
In 2025, during Community Days, Sr. Judene joined other Sisters to reflect on the future of Dominican life. Her words offer a beautiful glimpse into her enduring commitment to service. In the face of change all around, Sr. Judene remained hopeful for a bright future for Dominican life. Her vision and confidence in that future remain part of the legacy she leaves with us. Watch that here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7uPM8Xo1yg
From her first profession to her final years, Sr. Judene sought to live the words engraved on her final profession ring: “Thy will be done.”
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Mary Agnes Dickson, Grace Irene Woolway, and Pauline Joan Lamberty. She is survived by nieces and nephews.
A Vigil of Remembrance was held on August 11, 2026. The Funeral Liturgy followed on August 12, 2026. Both services took place at the Dominican Sisters of Peace Motherhouse Chapel in Columbus, OH. Burial will take place at a later date at Rosaryville in Ponchatoula, LA.
Memorial gifts in Sister Judene’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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