Dominican Sister of Peace Rosalie Graham, OP (90), a native of Mansfield, OH, died on November 22, 2024, at Mohun Health Care Center, Columbus, OH.
Rosalie was born to Rose Beam and Richard Graham in 1934. She entered the Congregation in 1957 and professed her final vows in 1964. This year, Sr. Rosalie celebrated 65 years of consecrated life.
Sr. Rosalie earned a Bachelor of Arts in Math from St. Mary of the Springs College, Columbus, OH, a Master of Arts in English from Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, and a Masters in Library Science from Kent State University.
She first served as an educator for 20+ years in Ohio, New York, Connecticut and Wisconsin at mostly the high school level.
Thereafter, Sr. Rosalie’s attention to detail and strong writing skills made her an ideal fit for her role as secretary to the Leadership Team and Archivist at the Columbus Motherhouse, where she served her founding congregation with dedication.
Her lifelong love of books shone through in all her ministries, but especially during her time as Librarian at both Dominican Academy and Ohio Dominican University. She also contributed her skills as Secretary and Bookkeeper for the Columbus Diocesan Mission Office.
Even after retiring from active ministry, Sr. Rosalie continued to serve at the Columbus Motherhouse as Librarian, where she became known for creating beautiful seasonal displays and author features.
Sr. Pat Twohill, OP, in a letter to the congregation, described Sr. Rosalie as “a quiet person with quick wit, a deep thinker, and a delightful storyteller.”
In a preaching at her funeral, Sr. Mary Ann Connolly, OP, echoed her sentiments and said, “as Motherhouse librarian, Rosalie enjoyed selecting and reading a wide variety of books and magazines. Her wide reading and delightful sense of humor made her an interesting conversationalist at meals in the dining room.”
She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard McNeal and Rose Beam Graham and her brother Robert and sister Mary Katharine Graham.
Mass of Resurrection was held on Tuesday, December 2, at the Columbus Motherhouse Chapel. A burial followed at a later date.
Memorial gifts in Sister Rosalie’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.
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What a beautiful tribute to Sr. Rosalie! I came to know Sr. Rosalie when I was invited to take responsibility for the library in our convent at Oxford Michigan. Earlier in my life while in Elkins Park, I was invited to take care of the library and purchased new books for the women who came on retreat at our house in Elkins Park, PA. Sr. Rosalie suggestions and advice helped me learn even more about caring for a library. I am so grateful for our Librarian sisters and the many gifts each so graciously shared with me in caring for the library in Oxford Michigan and Elkins Park, Pa.
Our loving God always amazes me when I have no background or experience to be open to new challenges and offers me the help. Deo Gratias!