Remembering Sister Marie Lorentzen - Founder of Hesed House

Sister Rose Marie Lorentzen, founder of Hesed House in Aurora, passed away on Dec. 20 at age 89 in Dubuque, Iowa.

Sister Rose Marie established Hesed House in 1981, which grew into Illinois’ second-largest homeless shelter and a national model for addressing homelessness.

According to an article by Beacon-News columnist Denise Crosby, today Hesed House, it serves over 1,000 individuals annually with support from 7,500 volunteers and 90 organizations.  Sister Rose Marie's legacy continues with a recent expansion, doubling the shelter’s capacity.

Crosby writes that Sister Rose Marie, who was known for her determination and compassion, overcame community resistance to open the shelter.

Crosby's article also notes that Sister Rose Marie’s teachings fostered a compassionate ethos, shaping Hesed House into more than just a shelter and that her humility was reflected in her simple obituary and awards, which were found gathering dust in storage rather than displayed.

Funeral services will be held Jan. 10 at Mount Carmel Bluffs in Dubuque, Iowa.