Rosalie Gilson, OP, died on January 15, 2011, in Siena HallInfirmary in Dominican Convent, Sparkill, NY. Born in New York City March 10, 1928 Rosalie was the daughter of Patrick and Nellie Rogers Gilson. Rosalie entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1946, and became known as Sister Ellen Teresa, professing her first vows in 1948 and final vows in 1953.
Sister Rosalie earned a BS in Education from Fordham University, NY in 1957; an MA in Latin from St. John’s University, NY in 1965; an MA in Spanish from Hunter College, NY in 1978 and an MSW from Stony Brook University, NY in 1981. During her professional life, Sister Rosalie was a group mother at Cardinal McCloskey Home, White Plains, NY (1948-1950). She taught elementary school and high school in the Brooklyn and New York Dioceses at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Richmond Hill, NY (1950-1951); St. Helena School, Bronx, NY (1951-1957), Cathedral High School, Manhattan, NY (1959-1962, 1971-1972), St. Helena/Monsignor Scanlon High School, Bronx, NY (1962-1968), Albertus Magnus High School, Bardonia, NY (1957-1959, 1968-1970). She was principal of St. Mary Magdalen, Springfield Gardens, NY (1972-1974). Sister Rosalie worked as a social worker from 1974 to 1998. Upon retiring she offered local community service in Dominican Convent, Sparkill, NY until she became a resident of Siena Hall Infirmary at Dominican Convent. Sister Rosalie is survived by her sister Nancy Gilson and many friends.
Sister Rosalie will be remembered for her many years of dedication in the field of education. She loved being in the classroom and brought an energy and love of learning to her student’s that they have long remembered. She loved her life as a Sparkill Dominican and remained faithful to her religious commitment for sixty-four years. Her many kindnesses will long be remembered by those whose lives she has touched. May she rest in the peace of the Lord.