Kokomo, IN - Sister Immaculata Holtman of St. Gabriel completed her earthly pilgrimage at 8:00 p.m. on July 11, 2026. During her final journey of over a year with cancer, Sister continued her strong, faithful witness of how to live each day to the full in the rhythm of prayer, community life and doing the next simple task. This was also how she met death surrounded by her Poor Clare sisters praying with and for her as she became peace—and gently, almost imperceptibly, surrendered her final breath to God who created her. It was Sister Immaculata's smile during this challenging final season of life that was a gift to those caring for her following surgery and to the hospice nurses and caregivers, as well as to her sisters in the monastery. Her smile was her quiet Amen, her grateful YES to whatever followed.

Jean Elizabeth Holtman was born in Madison, Wisconsin, on January 6, 1945, the daughter of Dr. David Holtman and Elizabeth Wanek.

She attended Washington High School in Two Rivers, Wisconsin; she graduated with a B.A. from Averno College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and later received a B.M. in Education from Silver Lake College in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

She entered the Poor Clare Monastery in Kokomo on October 23, 1978. At her Investiture as a novice on February 2, 1980, she received the name Sister Immaculata of St. Gabriel. She professed her Simple Vows on October 4, 1981, and Solemn Vows on October 1, 1984. She celebrated her Silver Jubilee as a Bride of Christ in 2006.

Sister generously served in various charges through the years, including organist, cook, archivist, librarian, laundress and portress. She loved tending her rose and flower garden.

Sister is survived by her brother John Holtman, nephew Matt (Abby) Holtman and niece, Katie (Steve) Bahm as well as a grandnephew, Porter, and two grandnieces, Audrey and Jacquelyn.

We wish to express our gratitude to all those who gifted Sister Immaculata with their prayers, notes, services and kindnesses during her illness.

The public is welcome to come for viewing on Thursday, July 16, at the monastery chapel from 6:00-7:30 p.m. The rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at the Poor Clare Monastery, 1175 County Road 300 W, Kokomo, on Friday, at 10:00 a.m. with Bishop Timothy L. Doherty, celebrant.

Sister Immaculata will be buried in the cemetery on the Maria Regina Mater Monastery grounds within the enclosure which she so dearly loved.

Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com