At the end of February, 2026, the Opera House learned of the passing of Ade Kroll on October 1, 2025. Born in Minnesota in 1939, she was a Franciscan Sister for 68 years and a forever presence on the south side of the Balcony at the Opera House.
Sister Adeline Krole's religious journeys took her to many places, from Papua New Guinea to the Tenderloin District of San Francisco as part of Faithful Fools Street Ministry. She was also an opera lover. Those volunteering in the Balcony--or seated there--could hear Ade describe how, billions of years ago, the Light opened up into into space and stars . . . and existence. And the stars were singing opera.
The sparkle of her smile was infectious, as was her humor. Ade, with all her enthusiasm, is more than missed.
An obituary for Ade is here.