Norena Kinsey

June 17, 1935 - July 11, 2017

Norena (Beatrice) Marie Kinsey passed away on Tuesday, July 11, 2017. She was born in Chicago on June 17, 1935, the daughter of the late Ben and Marie Kinsey and sister to the late Rose O'Rourke, Bernice Leckinger, and Phyllis Healy. Norena was a longtime resident of Milwaukee, WI and spent many years as a nun in the order of School Sisters of St. Francis, where she dedicated her life to education and service and rose to the role of Mother Superior. During her career she held many directorships including Director of Community Services at the Alexian Village where she won awards for her unselfish work serving all faiths and ages and primarily for her staunch advocacy for the elderly. She was a pioneer in eldercare administration and a passionate teacher of issues surrounding aging, death and dying. Norena exemplified great determination and perseverance throughout her life by overcoming many struggles, including a terrible fall where the doctors told her she would not walk again. Not only did she walk but by the end of her hospital stay she was giving motivational lectures to other patients and staff. Later Norena also came back from a devastating stroke that left her with no use of her right side, but she still lived independently until the age of 81. Norena was a beloved aunt, sister, godmother, and lifelong friend to many. In her own words, Norena's message to those left behind is "Thank you to everyone who touched my life. What a blessing you all are. It has been a great life. Thank you. Lots of love, Norena." Visitation will be 10 – 11 a.m. on Monday, July 17, 2017 at Prince of Peace Church, 135 S. Milwaukee Ave. Lake Villa, IL 60046. Mass will begin at 11 a.m. Monday at church. Burial will take place privately after Mass at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL. Funeral arrangements under the care of Ringa Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the School Sister of St. Francis: http://www.sssf.org/SSSF/Support-Us/Ways-To-Give.htm