CHICAGO (WLS) — On Tuesday, dignitaries and city leaders gathered to pay respects to Chicago’s Sister Rosemary Connelly.

Sister Connelly, known for her work at the Misericordia in Rogers Park, died Thursday at the age of 94.

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Sister Connelly worked with Father Jack Clair at Misericordia for nearly three decades. The nearly 40-acre campus that houses and serves people with developmental disabilities was built on the faith of one woman.

Sister Connelly joined Sisters of Mercy at 18, and went on to be appointed the administrator at Misericordia.

“I have so many friends and family members who have been touched by her at Misericordia, her love for the youth and young adults that live with her. She cares so much for them. And she cared a lot for the people who supported her. I heard that she was at Misericordia last week, thanking the volunteers right before she died,” Father Wayne Watts said.

Dozens filled Holy Name Cathedral on Tuesday for a funeral Mass. Cardinal Blase Cupich led the mass.

“Sister Rosemary, may the angels, may they take you to the eternal city and find a place of resting,” Cupich said.

Cupich read a message from the office of Pope Leo XIV.

“His holiness Pope Leo XIV was saddened to hear of the death of Sister Rosemary, and sends prayerful condolences to you, as well as the members of the Misericordia community,” Cupich said.

“If you met her, you really wanted to be a part of Misericordia. She really was a champion for people with disabilities, and she’s really a hero. She’s a hero in the city of Chicago and across the country,” said Julie O’Sullivan, director of events and public relations at Misericordia.

Her work led her to receiving dozens of humanitarian awards and nine honorary doctorates from places likes Notre Dame, St. Mary College, Loyola and DePaul. But, the real honor was the love she leaves behind.

Father Clair at Misericordia said Sister Connelly would not want the work to stop. They’ve got lots of plans to continue her mission, including expanding the campus.

READ MORE | Misericordia’s Sister Rosemary Connelly, known for work helping those with disabilities, dies at 94

Even in recent years, Connelly was still eager to hear how things were going for residents.

“It’s very emotional; I’ve been at her side for 25 years now, and she clearly wanted me to take over the job. So it’s a humbling experience,” Father Clair said.

Hugh Connelly is her nephew. He said his older brother’s brain damage inspired Sister Connelly to expand services for adults with disabilities.

“She saw in them and my brother, Brian, a great need. And she stepped up to the plate and hit a home run,” Connelly said.

Holly Jennings’ son, Ryan, has been a resident for nine years.

“They have a great life; he’s living his best life. And it’s all because of Sister, her vision,” Jennings said.

Some in attendance said they directly benefitted from Sister’s work.

Some did not know her, but honor her legacy.

The Walsh family hopes their daughter, Jodi, can be a resident at Misericordia.

“Sister Rosemary has been a beacon. I’m gonna cry now: a beacon of care for folks with disabilities,” Lisa Walsh said.

Sister Connelly will be buried after a private service with the Sisters of Mercy Wednesday.