In Memoriam: Sister Dehra Marie Elliot

Sister Dehra Marie Elliot (formerly Sister Mary Sheila), a Sister of St. Joseph for 60 years, entered eternal life at Mt. St. Mary Convent in Wichita, Kansas on Dec. 20, 2025. 
 
Sister Dehra was born on Jan. 2, 1932 in New Orleans to the late Francis Berchman Elliot and Enola M. Hanneman. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Father Clyde J. Elliot SJ,  Norval F. Elliot, Sr., Father Larion J. Elliot SJ, Brother John Filmore Elliot, SJ and her sisters Sister Oenone Elliot CSJ, Yska M. Sierra and Sheila M. Elliot. 

Sister Dehra is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.   

Sister Dehra graduated from St. Joseph Academy in New Orleans, Louisiana and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in September of 1949. She professed final vows in August of 1954. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Masters in Secondary Education from Loyola University in New Orleans. 

 A life-long learner, Sister Dehra took advantage of numerous ongoing formation and continuing education courses throughout her life. Her years of teaching and service began at our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in New Orleans. She served in schools in South Louisiana including Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Grand Coteau, Norco and Morgan City.  

Following her retirement from teaching, Sister Dehra served as director of house management at Blessing Place in Lacombe, Louisiana. She also was activities director at Wynhoven Apartments in Marrero and Christopher Inn in New Orleans, two senior living facilities sponsored by the Archdiocese of New Orleans.  

Sister Dehra retired from active teaching in 2009 and in 2010 moved to Mt. St. Mary in Wichita, Kansas for medical treatment. She returned to Louisiana in July of 2011 and resided at the Sisters of St. Joseph Hundred Oaks Retirement Center until her final move to Mt. St. Mary in 2023.

Mass of Resurrection followed by internment at Mt. St. Mary Retirement Center was held on Jan. 2, 2026.  Memorials in her name may be sent to the Congregation of St.   Joseph Retirement Fund, Dear Neighbor Ministries, Inc. or StepStone Ministries, Inc. at Mt. St. Mary, 3700 E. Lincoln St., Wichita, Kansas 67218.