Brother Peter Spence, O.S.B.

Brother Peter Spence, O.S.B., age 69, a Benedictine monk of Marmion Abbey, Aurora, Illinois, died peacefully in the Lord on the afternoon of Monday, December 5, 2016. He is survived by members of his monastic community, his sisters Carol Shultz, Jane Cervantes and Mary Bernhard, and his brothers James, William, Michael, Joseph and John. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerard and Beatrice (Meagher). Brother Peter was born on January 25, 1947, and was baptized Gerard at Holy Name Church, New Rochelle, New York. In the 1950’s his family moved to Algonquin, Illinois. After graduating from Marian Central High School in Woodstock, Illinois he earned a B.A. from Judson College, Elgin. From 1975 to 1977 he studied Theology at Sacred Heart School of Theology, Hales Corners, Wisconsin. For the next twenty-eight years, he supported himself in a variety of jobs including maintenance work in several Catholic parishes in the Diocese of Rockford. In 2005 Brother Peter entered Marmion Abbey, having discerned God calling him to monastic life. On July 11, 2006, he made temporary profession of vows. In July of 2009 he professed Solemn Vows as a monk of Marmion. During his years as a Benedictine monk, Brother Peter was very faithful to Divine Office and Mass as well as to private prayer. He had a very strong work ethic. His work responsibilities included abbey maintenance and working on the abbey Christmas tree farm as well as in the abbey gardens. He also remained interested in ongoing education, attending workshops and ongoing adult theological formation classes in the Diocese of Rockford. Throughout his life Brother Peter was an avid fisherman and sports fan. He enjoyed life in his monastic community and was well known for his keen wit, jokes and puns. His monastic community and family will receive Brother Peter’s body on Friday, December 9, at 4:00 P.M. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. in the Abbey Church at 850 Butterfield Road, Aurora, Illinois. The Office of the Dead will be prayed at 6:30 P.M. Visitation will continue on Saturday, December 10, from 9:00 A.M. until the Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Burial will follow in the Marmion Abbey Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are being handled by THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora, IL 60506. (630) 631-5500. Please visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may sign the guest book or leave condolences for Br. Peter’s family.

Brother Peter Spence, O.S.B.

January 25, 1947 - December 5, 2016