Age 80
Sister Rosann Fraher was known for her fun-loving manner and her ability to respond creatively and generously to the needs of others.
Entering the Sisters of Mercy in Burlingame, California, in 1960, she completed requirements at the University of California at Berkeley for her teaching and administrative credentials and master’s degree. For six years she taught middle school in the Archdiocese of San Francisco.
She served as principal for six years at Saint Catherine’s School in San Francisco and for 13 years at other schools in the archdiocese. While principal at St. Peter’s she became fluent in Spanish which enriched her perspective on life, ministry and faith.
Elected to community leadership in 1989, she completed her four-year term and became principal at Mercy High School in Burlingame for 10 years. She focused on expanding the academic program especially in the areas of fine arts, foreign language and technology. She also worked on a national level to support Mercy Schools and was a member of the advisory board for educational leadership at the University of San Francisco.
Next, Rosann taught junior high at St. Anne’s School in San Francisco and then ministered for ten years with the Presentation Sisters as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher at The Lantern, a ministry of the Presentation Sisters which provided education and hospitality in the Mission District of San Francisco. She enjoyed the opportunity to provide direct service to women where she could use her language skills and help to meet their needs.