Dominican Sister of Peace Mary Rose Garcia, (94), a native of Cienfuegos, Cuba, died on her birthday, April 13, at the Mohun Health Care Center, Columbus, OH. 
 
Rose was born to Rose Moron and Manuel Garcia. She left her beloved Cuba in 1955 to join the Sisters of St. Catherine de’ Ricci in Philadelphia. She made first profession in 1958 and took her final vows in 1963. She spent the next 6+ decades serving God’s people. 
 
Sr. Rose earned a Master's in Home Economics in Cienfuegos, Puerto Rico, her bachelor's in psychology from Colegio Universitario in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and her Master’s in Pastoral Ministry from Barry University in Miami. 
 
She used her many gifts and the knowledge she gained from her studies as a teacher in Colombia and Cuba. Rose also served on retreat staffs in Pennsylvania, Florida, New York, and New Mexico. She ministered as a Director of Religious Education in Florida and in prayer ministry in Pennsylvania. In all these roles, Rose exhibited the same joyful spirit that had first attracted her to religious life. 

In her preaching at the funeral Sr. Annette Lucero stated that Sr. Rose embodied the theology of accompaniment described by Roberto Goizueta - walking with others in love, especially those on the margins, and revealing God’s presence through hospitality, joy, and shared community. Those who encountered Rose experienced Christ in the warmth of her welcome, the meals she lovingly prepared, and the joyful spirit she brought to every gathering. “Carinosa,” or "the affectionate one,” describes her well: she opened her heart to others with affectionate embraces, rich Cuban coffee, festive coquito, and an atmosphere of belonging that made everyone feel loved and accepted.” 

Sister Rose was preceded in death by her parents, Manuel Garcia and Rosa Moron y Hernandez Garcia. 

The wake was held on Tuesday, April 21, at 4:30 p.m. with Evening Prayer and a sharing of memories. The Mass of Resurrection was celebrated on Wednesday, April 22, at 9:30 a.m., followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery. All services took place at the Columbus Motherhouse Chapel. 

Memorial gifts in Sister Mary’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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