Sister Rose Olivieri R.S.M.

Sister Rose was born June 9, 1933 in Mansfield, Ohio to Joseph and Dominica (Travaglini) Olivieri. She had two sisters and one brother. They were a proud Italian family and the food, the language and the culture were always a part of her.

Because of her deep love for Christ and in answer to his call Rose entered the Sisters of Mercy in September 1952 in Cincinnati, Ohio. When asked why she chose Mercy she said that four Sisters of Mercy had arrived in Mansfield with the opening of St. Mary’s School there. It was their spirit of prayer and joy that first attracted her. On reception she was given the name of Sister Mary Eunice (which she later changed back to Rose), and in 1958 she professed her final vows.

She received a BSE degree from Our Lady of Cincinnati College in primary education. Sr Rose did further studies at Mary Manse College, Toledo; Xavier University,Cincinnati; and Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

Grades two to four is where Sister Rose did her teaching ministry at Holy Angels,Sandusky; St. Ann, Fremont; St. Clement, Toledo; and St. Peter, Upper Sandusky, all in the Toledo Diocese. She was known as an excellent teacher and greatly influenced her students.

Sister Rose’s next ministry was as coordinator of the Sisters of Mercy community at St. Bernardine Home, Fremont. For over 30 years in this role she cared for the senior sisters. Through her love, patience, generosity, thriftiness, and prayerfulness she touched the lives of countless sisters. She will be remembered for the candy she provided on holidays and her love of plants and flowers. Every Saturday she could be found cheering on the Fighting Irish.

Sister Rose spent countless hours raising funds for NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness).

Sister Rose is survived by the members of her religious community the Sisters of Mercy, sister-in-law, Barbara Olivieri, Mansfield, Ohio, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Lucy Eckstein and Sister Mary O.S.F/J and brother Nick.

Visitation is Tuesday August 1, 2017 at St. Bernardine Home from 3:00-7:00 p.m. and on Wednesday until the time of the funeral. The funeral is Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. in St Bernardine's chapel, followed by burial in Our Lady of the Pines Cemetery.