In Loving Memory: Sister Gabriele Uhlein
Sister Gabriele (Gabe) Uhlein, OSF, 73, a member of the Franciscan Sisters, Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (Wheaton Franciscans), was called home to God on Monday, August 18, 2025.
Born April 25, 1952, in Klingenberg, Germany, to Erich (d. 1997) and Irmgard Zeller (d. 2013) Uhlein. Her only sibling, Erich Jr., died in 2021.
Sister Gabe discovered the Franciscan way of life while studying at Indiana State University. She became a staff member at a Franciscan retreat center, where she was inspired by the friars’ community and felt the call “to find women who live likewise.” She entered religious life in 1979 and made her final vows on October 4, 1985. A lifelong learner, Sister Gabe continued her formal education. She held a MA in Religious Studies from Mundelein College and a Ph.D. in Theology and Psychology from the Chicago Theological Seminary in Chicago. She also trained in Peer Spirit Circle Process, transformative facilitation and intuitive painting.
She offered her many gifts to her Wheaton Franciscan community through roles in leadership, formation, education, and planning. She served in positions including Provincial Counselor, Director of Formation, New Membership, and Vice President of Education at Wheaton Franciscan Services, Inc. As well as numerous committees and planning circles for the US Region and our international congregation.
Since 2010, Sister Gabe has been a beloved member of the Christine Center community in Willard, Wisconsin, where she has lived and ministered. Her presence, creativity, and joyful spirit deeply touched all who met her. As the Christine Center wrote, “spiritual teachers hold a special place in our hearts.”
Sr. Gabe contributed significantly to the Franciscan Federation, including serving as President (2003–2004), and a member of the Spirit and Life committee for more than 7 years. She remained a lifelong advocate and contributor for deepening Franciscan spirituality. She also served as a facilitator for many communities of women religious nationally and internationally.
Whatever Sister Gabe accepted as “hers to do,” she brought sparkle and energy. Through her work as a teacher, retreat leader, facilitator, writer, and artist, she guided and inspired. When asked how she wanted to be remembered, she wrote, “As having lived out the promise of my name – ‘to bring tidings of great joy.'” That you did, good and faithful servant.
Sister Gabe has requested no flowers. Memorials are suggested to the Christine Center or the Wheaton Franciscan community.
Services in Celebration of Sister Gabe’s life
A Memory Service will be held at Wheaton Franciscans’ Our Lady of the Angels Chapel on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 4:00 PM CT. Livestream link: https://bit.ly/3HG0YQV
The Mass of Resurrection will be held at the Wheaton Franciscans’ Our Lady of the Angels Chapel on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM CT. Livestream link: https://bit.ly/3JqsMt0
For more information, visit https://bit.ly/4oL9gaI
What a gift she was to all of us! She was an inspiration!
Gabe was a member of my Spirit and Life Committee for 7 years at the Franciscan Federation. No “roadshow” program could have had its quality without her gifts. THEN Gabe became President of the Federation to give even more vision, depth and insight into all that Federation has always meant. To think of Gabe’s welcoming, as adding even more LIGHT, JOY and PASSION to however we envison heaven is incredible, She comes home at the time we celebrate St.Francis’ own Canticle of the Sun which is said he could only write at the end of his life because he was HUMMING IT ALL HIS LIFE. What a beautiful way to describe Sister Gabriele Uhlein. My deepest sympathy, Kathleen Moffatt OSF
I honor Gabe, who as teacher, mentor, guide, counselor and friend opened up the possibilities of a fuller life through meditation, intuitive painting and relishing life outdoors. In grateful thanksgiving for her “tidings of great joy!”