Sister Rose Michele O’Rourke, OP died on February 17, 2019 in Siena Hall in Dominican Convent, Sparkill, NY. She was 81 years old.
Born in Bronx, NY on April 4, 1937, Marion Rose was the daughter of Michael and Bertha Blanken O’Rourke. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1954 and received the name Sister Rose Michele. She professed her first vows in 1956 and her final vows in 1961.
Sister Rose Michele received her BS in Education from St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, NY, 1959; her MS in Library Science from St John University, NY, in 1965; and an MS in Religious Education from Fordham University, Bronx, NY, in 1973.
Sister Rose Michele taught at St. Agnes Home and School, Sparkill, NY (1956-1958); in the Brooklyn Diocese at St. Teresa School, Woodside, NY (1958-1960) and at St. Mary Magdalen School, Springfield Gardens, NY (1960-1966). In the Archdiocese of New York, Sister Rose Michele taught at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, Middletown, NY (1966-1968); St. Anthony School, Bronx, NY (1968-1969); Cathedral High School (1969-1970); and St. Vito School, Mamaroneck, NY (1970-1972). From 1972-1977, Sister Rose Michele taught in the Diocese of Rockville Center at Holy Family School, Hicksville, NY. Returning to ministry in the Archdiocese of New York, Sister Rose Michele taught at Most Precious Blood School, Walden NY (1977-1978). From 1978 until 2018, Sister Rose Michele served in catechetical ministry as Director of Religious Education at Sacred Heart Parish in Monroe, NY.
Sister Rose Michele was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Bertha Blanken O’Rourke, and her brothers, Thomas and John O’Rourke.
Sister Rose Michele O’Rourke made a difference in the lives of countless children and adults in her ministry in the classroom and in religious education and formation. She served her God and congregation faithfully for more than sixty-five years as a Dominican Sister of Sparkill. We thank God for her life, presence, and commitment. As she is welcomed into the fullness of God’s presence, Sister Rose Michele will be remembered by her Dominican Sisters, Associates, colleagues, and all who were touched by her life.