In Memoriam

Sister M. Patrice Kerin entered eternal life on April 7, 2013 after a brief illness.  Anyone who knew Sister Patrice loved her because she was a loving, welcoming person.  She enjoyed life in its many aspects and was ready to celebrate birthdays, feastdays, anniversaries and holidays with all that her Irish heritage could bring to the party.  She had a reverence for all people and there was always a sparkle in her eye and a smile on her lips that made you feel at home whenever and wherever she went. read more ...

Sister Marie Muskala entered eternal life on February 21, 2013.  She died at Rosary Care Center where she had been a resident for 12 years.  Most of Sister Marie's 80 years of ministry were spent teaching secondary math and as principal in Ohio and Michigan schools.  Sister was an avid Detroit Tiger, Lions and Red Wings fan.  She loved to read and travel with family and friends, and her great sense of humor got her into and out of many situations. read more ...

Sister M. Digna Chirpich entered eternal life on January 29, 2013 at Rosary Care Center in Sylvania, Ohio.  Sister Digna spent most of her 68 years of service to God's people primarily in elementary education as a teacher.  Sister Digna taught with joyfulness and will be remembered with great fondness and appreciation by many children, former students, parents, teachers and staff.  Sister Digna will be dearly missed by all who knew her.  read more ...

Sister M. Jean Clare Pietrzak entered eternal life on November 20, 2012.  Her 66 years in religious life were spent teaching in elementary schools, which she loved, especially working with small children.  To those who knew her well, Sister Jean Clare will be remembered for her stories about life on mission, her friendship with Mother Adelaide Sandusky, the foundress of the Order, and her love of animals, especially dogs.  read more ...

Sister Michelle Gillespie entered eternal life on one of her favorite holidays, Halloween, the Eve of All Saints, October 31, 2012.  Sister Michelle served in a variety of ministries from teaching and school administration, to directing a retreat center, and serving as secretary for the Sylvania Franciscan Leadership before becoming a hospital chaplain.  Sister Michelle's welcoming smile, and her love of celebrations will remain in the memories of her family and friends and her Sisters in Community. read more ...

Sister M. Patrick Gillen entered eternal life August 26, 2012.  Her 58 years of service to God's people were characterized by a spirit of faith-filled selflessness that left people in awe of her ability to put others first as she ministered to school children in Ohio, Michigan and Maryland and later, when she served in the broad arena of health care.  Sister Patrick was loved by many as was evident from the many good wishes and prayers she received during her brief illness. read more ...

Sylvania Franciscan Sister Joan LaVerne Rutz died on May 29, 2012 at the Ebeid Hospice Center in Sylvania, Ohio.  Sister Joan was a resident of Rosary Care Center in Sylvania, Ohio after having moved there within the past year from Minneapolis, Minnesota where she was in active ministry as a Pastoral Minister at the Church of St. Helena.  Sister Joan was fluent in French and assisted in translating and typing manuscripts that were historically related to the Louisiana Purchase. read more ...

Sylvania Franciscan Sister M. Angelita Kaczmarzyk died on May 21, 2012 at Rosary Care Center in Sylvania, Ohio where she lived for the past four years.  Known as “Angel” or “Suzie” to her friends, Sister Angelita had a ready smile and a story for anyone she met.   Her graciousness and positive spirit will be greatly missed by her Sisters in Community, her family, and many friends. read more ...

Sister M. Rosanne Gacek died on April 2, 2012 at Rosary Care Center in Sylvania, Ohio where she had lived as a resident since 1985.  Sister Rosanne spent 40 of her 71 years of ministry involved in elementary teaching and as an elementary principal.  To know Sister Rosanne was to love her.  She had a very outgoing personality and when you met her you felt special because she treated you as a friend.  read more ...

Sister M. Vincent Zarembski, OSF died on March 23, 2012 at Rosary Care Center in Sylvania, Ohio where she had lived as a resident since 2006.  Sister Vincent spent the majority of her 68 years of ministry involved in elementary teaching and being an elementary principal.  Those who knew Sister Vincent remember her as an energetic person who was faithful to religious life and who simply loved life.  read more ...