Dominican Sister of Peace Rose Bowen, (97), born Rita Clare, a native of New Orleans, LA, died on February 2, 2024, at Mohun Health Care Center, Columbus, OH.  

Rose was born to Henrietta Mackenroth and Bernard Broline Bowen. She entered the Congregation in 1946 and spent the last 76 years as a consecrated Dominican Sister. 

Sr. Rose earned a BA in English from Saint Mary's Dominican College, an MA in English from Catholic University, an MA in Theology from the University of Notre Dame, an MA in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University and a PhD in Humanities at Florida State University.
 
She ministered as a teacher in Louisiana and a college professor in Louisiana and Florida. She had not only a brilliant mind but also a deep spiritual sense. In addition to educational ministries, Sr. Rose loved her ministries in initial formation work in Louisiana and in Ohio, retreat work and spiritual direction, congregational leadership, and prison ministry.

In her preaching at the funeral Sr. Therese Leckert, OP, said: “Rose saw everyone as a reflection of the divine, and that’s why she treated everyone with respect and compassion, even those we find most difficult to like or love. Rose was a model of our Dominican way of life. Prayer, study, community, preaching, and care seemed to be in her DNA.” 

Sister Rose was preceded in death by her parents and siblings and is survived by extended family, including nieces and nephews.

A wake took place on Thursday, February 8, followed by Mass of Resurrection on Friday, February 9. All services took place at the Columbus Motherhouse Chapel. The burial will be at a later date in the Cemetery at Rosaryville in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. 

Memorial gifts in Sister Rose’s memory may be submitted securely online or sent to the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr, Columbus, OH 43219. 

Click here to download or print Sr. Rose's obituary.