Age 92
A gatherer, a generous giver, a lover of humor, always affirming others, Sister Rose reached out with a tender heart of mercy to the poor and the sick.
Born in Philadelphia to Irish parents, the early death of her sister Kathleen at age seven tendered Rose’s compassionate heart for those dealing with painful loss. Her deep faith was nurtured in the loving Morris household in a predominantly Irish Catholic neighborhood, as well as in her education at St. Rose of Lima Elementary School and West Catholic High School, both in Philadelphia.
Rooted in a profound love of God and a desire to dedicate herself to a life of service to God’s people, Rose answered the call to religious life at the age of 17 and entered the Sisters of Mercy in Merion, Pennsylvania. A bachelor’s degree in humanities from Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania, and a master’s degree in education from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, equipped Rose to teach and lead with knowledge, creativity, and enthusiasm.
She taught elementary school for 21 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and three years in the Archdiocese of Miami, Florida, at St. John the Apostle School in Hialeah, Florida. She ministered as principal at St. Christopher School in Philadelphia for seven years and Our Lady of Lourdes for six years, both in Philadelphia. In her final years in active ministry, she taught at Walsingham Academy in Williamsburg, Virginia. For 33 years, Rose devoted herself tirelessly to bringing the love of God to the children, faculty, staff, families, and community.
In her retirement years, Rose loved to walk the wings of McAuley Convent in Merion, Pennsylvania, her final home on earth, as a reminder of her commitment to walking always in the footsteps of Jesus.