Dominican Sister of Peace Rose Anthony (Rose Marie) Heitzman, OP (96), a native of Louisville, KY, died on February 7, 2022, at the Sansbury Care Center in St. Catharine, KY.
Born in 1925, Sister Rose Anthony was one of the nine children of Rose Elizabeth Heimbrock and Joseph Charles Heitzman. She entered the Congregation in 1948, made first profession in 1949, and took her final vows in 1952. She served her community, her Congregation, and the people of God as a religious Sister for 73 years.
Sister Rose Anthony ministered as a teacher in Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New York, and West Virginia before earning her Bachelor of Arts in English and Education from Siena College in 1967. She went on to earn a Certification for Christian Education from the Roncalli Center in Louisville.
A true Dominican, Sr. Rose loved to study, attending various workshops and institutes, many of which focused on Theology and Liturgy. She put her knowledge to use for the good of God’s people, serving on Liturgy and Religious Education committees in the parishes where she taught.
Sister Rose Anthony continued her work as an educator until 1974, when she moved to a new ministry at the Emmaus House in Louisville, KY. She then served as a receptionist, bookkeeper, secretary, and coordinator of volunteers at several charitable organizations and schools in Louisville.
From 1980 to 2009, she dedicated her time, gifts, and talents to her Sisters at our Saint Catharine Motherhouse.
Sister Rose Anthony’s final mission began in 2009 when she moved to Sansbury where she gave witness through her prayer and presence.
Sr. Rose is survived by one brother, Anthony (Tony) Heitzman of Louisville, KY, along with a host of nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for Sr. Rose was held on February 15 at the Sansbury Care Center Chapel. A Mass of Christian burial was held on February 16, also at Sansbury Care Center Chapel, followed by burial at the St. Catharine Motherhouse cemetery.
To donate in Sr. Rose Anthony’s memory, please click here.
To download a printable copy of this memorial, click here.
Memorial gifts in Sr. Rose Anthony Heitzman’s memory may also be sent to the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr, Columbus, OH 43219.