Sr. Eleanor Hauck, SHCJ

Eleanor Hauck, SHCJ

July 28, 1933 – March 15, 2026

Educator, Pastoral Care Minister

Rosemont, Pennsylvania—Eleanor Hauck, SHCJ, a Sister of the Holy Child Jesus for 70 years, died peacefully on Sunday, March 15, 2026. She was 92.

Sister Eleanor’s generous spirit and kind heart led her to a variety of ministries. Reflecting on her life and vocation, Sister Eleanor stated, “God has traveled with me on many pathways and has widened my heart. Let us never stop growing, never stop learning, never stop opening our hearts to others.”

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sister Eleanor lost her mother at the age of 5. While cared for by her father and grandmother, she and her three sisters found a nurturing community at St. Edward’s School, where the Holy Child Sisters then taught. During her high school years, Sister Eleanor stayed in contact with the Holy Child Sisters and entered the Society of the Holy Child Jesus (SHCJ) in 1952, one year after graduating from John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School. She made her first and final vows in 1955 and 1960, respectively. She became well known by her religious name, Mother Dennis Mary.

Sister Eleanor’s teaching ministry spanned 23 years. For the first five years, she taught at Saint James School in Philadelphia (1955-56) and Holy Spirit School in Sharon Hill (1956-60). In 1960, she moved to Portland, Oregon, where she served at Holy Family School (1960-62), Saint Charles School (1962-67), Saint Rita School (1967-68), and Saint Rose School (1968-70). She then returned to Philadelphia to teach at her alma mater, St. Edward School (1970-71), and then West Catholic High School (1971-73). Following her time in Philadelphia, she relocated to Melrose, Massachusetts, to teach at St. Mary’s School for three years (1976-79).

Sister Eleanor was a devoted teacher, but by 1980, the year of her Silver Jubilee, she embraced a change of ministry.

Sister Eleanor completed the Clinical Pastoral Education Program at Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital in Darby, Pennsylvania. She then served for several years in hospitals across the country, including in Washington, Oregon, and New York.

In 1991, Sister Eleanor enrolled in the Health Perspectives Program at Rosemont College to further her studies and to explore possible ways to cure her asthma. Impressed by the program’s holistic approach and her improved health, Sister Eleanor was convinced of the program’s efficacy and remained for an additional five years to assist its program director.

From 1997 to 2007, Sister Eleanor ministered in Port Charlotte, Florida, serving in St. Charles Borromeo Parish, at nursing homes, and hospice care facilities. She also ministered at Project Rachel, a Catholic ministry providing spiritual and emotional support for women who are suffering after an abortion.

She returned to the Philadelphia area in 2007, living and ministering at Holy Spirit Parish in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania. She volunteered for several years as a receptionist for the American Province provincial offices in Rosemont. In 2015, she moved to Holy Child Center, where she participated in activities, enjoyed her friendships, and prayed for the intentions of others.

In 2025, Sister Eleanor’s 70th Jubilee year, she shared that “my favorite Holy Child value is love. I rely on God’s love to sustain me in both good and difficult times.” Sister Eleanor will be sorely missed by the Holy Child community.

She joins her parents, Edward and Mary (Madison), stepmother Anne Dolores (Malarkey) and seven siblings, in eternal rest. She is survived by loving nephews and nieces.

Friends and family are invited to a Prayer of Remembrance on Thursday, March 19, at 4:00 p.m., and a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, March 20, at 11:00 a.m., at Holy Child Chapel, 1341 Montgomery Avenue, Rosemont, Pennsylvania 19010. Preceding Mass, friends and family are welcome to attend the visitation at 10:00 a.m.

If you are unable to join the funeral Mass in person but would like to attend virtually, please email holychildsisters@gmail.com. A link will be sent to you within 24 hours of the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Society of the Holy Child Jesus – American Province, 1341 Montgomery Avenue, Rosemont, Pennsylvania 19041, or made online at https://www.shcj.org/american/donate.