Sister Rose Marie Duchesne died on April 3, 2020 in Siena Hall, Dominican Convent, Sparkill, NY. She was 78 years old.
Born in New York on March 16, 1942, Rose Marie was the daughter of Delbert and Miriam Walker Duchesne. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1960 and received the name Sister Francis Miriam. She professed her first vows in 1962 and final vows in 1967.
Sister Rose Marie received a BS in Education from St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, NY, 1965 and an MS in Education from City University of New York, 1975. She earned Administration credits from Manhattan College, Bronx, NY, 1998.
Sister Rose Marie began her teaching ministry at St. John Chrysostom School, Bronx, NY (1962-1973); then Msgr. Scanlan High School, Bronx, NY (1973-1978); St. Helena Commercial High School (1978-1996) as teacher and (1996-2002) as principal; and Cardinal Hayes High School, Bronx, NY (2003-2012).
Sister Rose Marie is predeceased by her parents Delbert and Miriam Walker Duchesne. She is survived by her sister, Miriam Duchesne.
Sister Rose Marie touched the lives of countless children and teenagers in her ministry of education. Beloved by students and colleagues alike, she empowered her students to learn and appreciate mathematics. She lived the congregation’s goal in proclaiming the Word of God through ministry for justice for more than 59 years. May she be welcomed into the fullness of God’s presence—well done, good and faithful servant!