Sr. Helen Mantovani, formerly known as Sr. John Dorothy Mantovani, died March 18 at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian. She was 79 in her 59th year of religious profession.

Sr. Mantovani was born in Joliet, Ill., to John and Rose (Fumagalli) Mantovani. She graduated from Providence High School in Joliet and received her Bachelor of Philosophy degree in history from Siena Heights College (University), Adrian, and her Master of Arts degree in education from the University of Detroit.

Sr. Mantovani spent part of her 35 years in the ministry of education in the Archdiocese of Detroit, where she taught at St. Lawrence in Utica (1951) and St. Jude in Detroit (1952-53).

Sister is survived by loving nephews.

Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, 49221.