Sr. Ignatius Orellana
August 20, 1933 - April 13, 2025
Obituary
To view the livestream for the Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., please visit the following link:
Ryan Funeral Home Madison - YouTube
Sr. Ignatius Orellana, OBT, Age 91, died on April 13, 2025 at St. Mary’s Care Center. Sister was born August 20, 1933, to Ceferino and Damiana Guardado in
Arcatao, El Salvador.
She entered the convent in El Salvador, completed her Novitiate in Costa Rica, and came to the United States in 1951. She made her temporary profession in 1950, and perpetual profession in 1956. She became a US Citizen in 1958.
Sr. Ignatius came from a family of 12 children. One of her sisters was also a member of this community.
In 1952, Sr. Ignatius worked at the Seminary of the Fathers of Mercy in Lenox, MA, doing what was needed to assist the priests and seminarians. Her sister, Sr. Teresa Orellana, was also there working side by side. In 1955, Sr. Ignatius was assigned to St. Clare’s School in the Bronx, NY as a Kindergarten Teacher.
In 1970, Sr. Ignatius came to St. Maria Goretti in Madison, WI. She taught Art, Spanish, and Religion at SMG.
In 1998, Sister went to St. Michael’s School in Dane, WI, and taught Art and Spanish. She retired in 2010.
Always a smile and sweetness about her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by The Very Rev. Richard Heilman at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 5313 Flad Ave., Madison, WI. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church. In lieu of flowers, Mass and Spiritual Remembrances or Donations to the Oblates to the Blessed Trinity C/O Fran Tierney. Interment will take place at St. Denis Cemetery in Hopewell Junction, NY.
To view her obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Madison West
6728 Mader Drive
608-274-1000
Events
Mass of Christian Burial
Tue Apr 22, 2025 @ 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church • 5313 Flad Avenue, Madison, WI 53711
Visitation
Tue Apr 22, 2025 @ 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church • 5313 Flad Avenue, Madison, WI 53711
Photos
No photos of Sr. Ignatius have been shared yet.
Memories
DM
Diane and David Marriott
Friend • 4 days ago
Our lives are richer for having known Sr. Ignatius. Her gentle manner, kind spirit, and soothing voice. Her smile, her laugh, and her "oh, yes" response that reinforced the way she assured that she was giving you her full attention and making you feel special. All such wonderful characteristics of an angel on earth. And now in heaven.
KL
Karen Leonard
Friend • 8 days ago
She was the nicest person that I ever met Sister Ignatius rest in peace
SW
Shannon (Kramer) Westman
Family • 9 days ago
Sister Ignatius was a wonderful teacher at SMG. She was always so kind and so patient, regardless of our grade. I will forever have the fondest memories of being in her art & Spanish classes. May she rest in peace and know how loved she was by the students of SMG.
AP
Annette Porter
Coworker • 10 days ago
It was a pleasure to work with Sister Ignatius at Saint Maria Goretti School. She was always sweet and kind to students and staff. Several times we got toether with her and other SMG staff at the Searls’ house to make tamales! We still have the recipe that Jim transcribed based on her directions! What a treasure for our family. May she rest in peace. Annette and Brian Porter
TB
The Mullee Boys
Friend • 10 days ago
We loved all of “The Sisters (and Ms. Tierny!) so very much growing up and I remember vividly a time that she helped me cut out a piece of colored paper for an art project we were working on; it was such a gentle and tender touch. We always felt very loved from her. Always there to answer questions we had about Jesus, too. We are so grateful to have the Sisters in our lives at SMG. We love you dearly, Sr. Ignatius. Love, the Mullee Boys
NF
Nick Ferry
Friend • 10 days ago
Sister Ignatius was such a positive influence growing up at SMG. I am thankful for her lessons in Art, Spanish, and 5th grade home room. Always such a sweet natured teacher and kind person. Eternal rest granted unto her. Nick Ferry SMG class of 1989