Sr. Mary Louise (Mary Matthew) Degenhart, ASC, 85, of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, died at 12:35 p.m., Friday, March 31, 2023 at Benedictine Living Community, Belleville, Ill. She was one of four children born to Albert and Rose Ann (nee Ewald) Degenhart on April 14, 1937 in Piopolis, Ill.

Sr. Mary Louise made her first profession July 1, 1954, and final vows July 1, 1959 at Ruma, Ill.

She earned a Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy from St. Louis College of Pharmacy, 1960; a Master's degree in Business Administration from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill., 1977; was a pharmacist at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro, St. Clement (now Red Bud Regional) Hospital in Red Bud, University of Chicago Hospital in Chicago, and St. John Hospital in Springfield, all in Illinois, for a total of almost 30 years. Sr. Mary Louise was a Team Member of Accreditation Services for American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Organization in Bethesda, Md.; and a Contract Surveyor for the same organization in St. Louis, Mo. She served as ASC Health Services Executive Director and worked at Precious Blood Center of Reconciliation in Chicago. She was one of the founders of the Southern Illinois Society of Hospital Pharmacists and the Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists and served as Special Assistant to President of the University of Health Services and Pharmacy.

Two of her notable awards include: Named an Honorary Member of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; and received the first "Sister Mary Louise Degenhart, B.S. '60 President's Leadership Award" from David Allen, president of the University of Health Services and Pharmacy. This award was created in her honor for her dedication and impact to the profession of pharmacy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister-in-law Norma Degenhart, and niece Judy Cameron.

Sr. Mary Louise is survived by three brothers: James, Paul (Mary Kay) and John (Theresa); nephews Philip, Jeremy (Sarah) and Darin Degenhart; niece Kristina (Robert) Garrison, several great-nieces and -nephews, and members of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.wfh-ofallon.com . Memorial donations are suggested to ASC Retirement Fund, 4233 Sulphur Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109 or online at www.adorers.org "Support our Ministries."

Wednesday, April 5, 2023, Visitation will be held at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church in O'Fallon, Ill., from 9-11 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., with Rev. James Deiters presiding. Luncheon and eulogies will follow in the Parish Hall. All are welcome to join at the Convent Cemetery, Ruma, Ill., for a Graveside Service at 3 p.m., Wednesday.