In loving memory of

Sister Jean Bricco
July 3, 1924 - October 1, 2017

Sister Jean Bricco, who provided care and comfort to countless members of the community through her role as a member of the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph at Aspirus Langlade Hospital, died Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017 at Rosalia Gardens under the care of LeRoyer Hospice, Sister Delores Demulling and Sister Adele Demulling. She was 93 years old.

Born on July 3, 1924 in Bear Creek, she was a daughter of the late Saul and Laura (Rebman) Bricco.

Raised in White Lake, Sister Bricco began her life's ministry at Langlade Memorial Hospital. It was here that she received the inspiration to become a Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph while she was a patient.
After recovering, Sister St. Aloysius and Sister McIntosh, both members of the Religious Hospitallers, encouraged and supported her to take training as a nursing assistant.

Sister Bricco left her home at White Lake and entered the Novitiate at Mt. St. Joseph at Palos Park, Ill. After her Novitiate preparation, she took her vows in 1949. Later she received a nursing degree from St. Francis College in Joliet, Ill. and took additional post-graduate work for the surgical operating room at St. Bernard's Hospital in Chicago, which she managed for over 20 years.

Following these years of service in a large operating room along with teaching student nurses operating room technique, Sister Bricco had an opportunity to pursue a course in chaplaincy that set her focus on pastoral care and after a number of years she returned to her original home of Antigo.

Sister Bricco went on to become an accredited chaplain through the National Association of Catholics Chaplains, which is board certified.

She was instrumental in establishing the LeRoyer Hospice in association with Aspirus Langlade Hospital, including the creation of dedicated hospice unit as part of the expansion of Rosalia Gardens earlier this year. She was the first patient to enter the facility.

Beyond the scope of Aspirus Langlade Hospital and Rosalia Gardens, she took her ministry into hospice homes and Pine Meadow retirement community.

She is survived by Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph, including Sister Delores and Sister Adele Demulling of Antigo; a sister, Theresa (Andrew) Selenske, Wisconsin Rapids; a brother, Gerald Bricco, Antioch, Ill.; many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by four sisters, Harriett Robinson, Margie Pratl, Mary Beichley, and Rose Ann at age five; and two brothers, Hubert and Donald Bricco.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday Oct. 4, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church with The Most Reverend Robert Morneau, auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay, officiating. Burial will take place in Queen of Peace Cemetery.

Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday in Hoffmann Hall at St. John Catholic Church and Wednesday at 10 a.m. until the time of Mass.

A parish wake service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and the Knights of Columbus will recite the Rosary at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, all in Hoffmann Hall.

Bradley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Tributes

Diane Williams wrote on Oct 25, 2017:

"She was such a wonderful fun Aunt. One of my fondest memories was when she would dress in my clothes and let me do her hair. It was fun to see her out of uniform. She was ever so loving and full of humor. "

Cindy Chapman wrote on Oct 5, 2017:

"What an Honor it was to have her as a Great Aunt! She was there for all our Baptisms, Communions and Confirmations. Along with so many other important events in our lives! I take comfort in knowing she's in good hands?She lived a Noble life and is on her way to reunite with her family! Rest in Peace , Aunt Jean! You will be missed!!! Love you! Cindy & Family"

Arlene Evenhouse wrote on Oct 4, 2017:

"I was one of Sister Bricco's students in the operating rooms of St Bernard's hospital many years ago. It began a love of that speciality, that I have worked in Surgery for the past 45. I learned much from her and Sister Adele. Arlene Visser Evenhouse"

Lionel H. Robinson wrote on Oct 3, 2017:

"Sister Jean was a special Aunt to me and my family leaving many great memories over the years and a smile on my face thinking about her time in our life. You would never see her with out a smile & quiet cherry hello. She will dearly be missed by many including me & will miss the Christmas card & note every year. I know you are in Heaven looking down upon us, saying a prayer. You may be gone from this earth but forever in my heart. Lionel H. Robinson"

Kathleen Murphy wrote on Oct 2, 2017:

"Thank you, Sister Jean, for making our sister's mission trip to see Pope Francis so very special. I love your smile and your kind heart and caring nature will always be remembered. Please say "hi" to my sister, Karol, and enjoy all the splendor of heaven you so deserve. I will always think of you, when I eat ice cream!!! I love you ~ Kathleen Murphy"

Linda Bricco Schalk wrote on Oct 2, 2017:

"You always inspired me. Favorite memories of visiting at St Bernard's when we were kids. I can see you in my mind's eye, whirling into the little visiting room. I thought you were so amazing. The time we visited at the retreat house and you all were in the pool and you brought dad a beer (after you put your summer habit back on!) Happy Trails, my flying nun aunt. Hugs and kisses, Linda"

Julie Oppelt wrote on Oct 2, 2017:

"Rest in Paradise Sister Jean. You were such an amazing person. You brought so much comfort to everyone you were around. Enjoy Heaven. "

Deb Kinnard wrote on Oct 2, 2017:

" Sister Jean will always and forever have a special place in my heart. "