Precious Blood sister with strong ties to St. Mary's Basilica dies

August 28, 2026

Memorial of Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Precious Blood sister with strong ties to St. Mary’s Basilica dies

Precious Blood Sister Virginia Hebbeler (courtesy photo) — Precious Blood Sister Virginia Hebbeler inside St. Mary’s Basilica where she served for 22 years. (courtesy photo)

Sr. Virginia Hebbeler, CPPS, who ministered at St. Mary’s Basilica for 22 years, died Oct. 28. She was 93.

The Precious Blood Sister was the second oldest of six children raised in Ohio. She entered the congregation at age 18 and was a sister for 75 years. Sr. Virginia’s ministry included teaching at the elementary level and intermittent nursing duties in the mid-West. She later taught in the San Diego and Denver areas plus the Phoenix and Mesa.

Sr. Virginia spent her final 22 years of active ministry at St. Mary’s Basilica as a pastoral minister and pastoral assistant. Sr. Virginia loved Phoenix and was blessed to receive communion from then Pope John Paul II during his 1987 visit.

Sr. Virginia is survived by her sister Anna Mae Fletcher of Reading, Ohio, and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her brothers Raymond and Donald, and her sisters Clara Jane De Carlo and Rosemary Dineen.

Interment will be in the Salem Heights Cemetery in Ohio.
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