Sister Leanne Herda, who lived her religious vocation in healthcare and pastoral care, died at Our Lady of the Angels Convent in Greenfield, Wisconsin, on December 11, 2025. Sister Leanne was 101 years old.
Sister Leanne was born on August 19, 1924, in West Allis, Wisconsin. She was received into the School Sisters of St. Francis on June 13, 1943; made her first profession of vows on June 21, 1945; and final (perpetual) vows on June 21, 1951.
Sister is survived by her sister, Marilyn Huber, of Brookfield, Wisconsin; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; many friends; and by the School Sisters of St. Francis community with whom she shared life for 82 years.
Beginning in 1945, Sister Leanne ministered in Kentucky and Wisconsin. In the Diocese of Lexington, Sister served as health educator for the Whitley County Health Department in Williamsburg (1980-2004), where she also served as a pastoral care volunteer (2004-2007).
In retirement, Sister ministered through her prayer and presence at Our Lady of the Angels from 2020 until her death.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated on December 30 in St. Joseph Chapel in Milwaukee, with burial at Sisters Cemetery in Campbellsport, Wisconsin.