Dominican Sister of Peace Nancy Rose Giarratano, OP, (77), a native of Pueblo, CO, died on January 18 at Villa Maria in Mulvane, KS.
Nancy Rose was born to Lucille Sue Chemento and Michael V. Giarratano in December 1949. She entered the congregation in 1972, professing her vows in 1975. She celebrated her 50th year of religious profession in 2025.
Sr. Nancy Rose earned her bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and her Master’s in K-12 Administration and Counseling from Ft. Hayes State University, KS, and Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
Sr. Nancy Rose served 45 years in education as a teacher, principal and counselor in Colorado, Kansas, and Oklahoma schools. In addition to her many years of ministry in education, Sr. Nancy Rose took particular pride in her time as Director of Vocations at the Great Bend Motherhouse. Three of the five discerners she accompanied went on to enter the Order.
In 2011, she changed her career path to work with the poor in Pueblo, Colorado, before moving to the Motherhouse in Great Bend, Kansas, in 2021.
Sr. Nancy Rose is remembered for “doing whatever was necessary to improve the school’s attendance record. She even bused children to class when needed.” She was named first runner-up for Colorado Counselor of the Year in 1993 and was a finalist for Colorado Teacher of the Year in 1996.
Sr. Nancy had a deep concern for those who were poor and vulnerable. Sr. Diane Traffas, who had known her since childhood, often said that Nancy had “a soul for the poor.” Throughout her ministry, Nancy responded to the needs of others, whether working with Native American communities in Oklahoma, assisting at a home for young women in Great Bend, or gathering clothes, toys, and funds for families in need in Pueblo. Known for her resourcefulness, she was famously the only sister with a motorcycle club on speed dial, and they always delivered.
Sr. Nancy Rose is survived by her sister, Mrs. Susan Genova Humphrey (Rocky), nephews Michael Charles Genova and Grant Genova, a great niece, Charlie Jo, two great nephews, Gage and Knox, many cousins and her Dominican Sisters of Peace.
A Wake Service was held Sunday, January 25, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, January 26, both at the Great Bend Motherhouse Chapel. Burial followed at Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorial gifts in Sister Nancy 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.
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When I went to the Motherhouse in Great Bend to visit or attend a meeting, I took my poodle, Buffy, and as the elevator opened Buffy made a bee line down the hall and around the corner to S. Nancy Rose room. The nurses and Sisters knew where Buffy was going.