Sister Rose Anastasia Geeraerts, OP, died on January 24, 2011, in Siena Hall Infirmary. Born in New York City May 27, 1913 Marion was the daughter of Francis and Susan Dillon Geeraerts. Marion entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on February 2, 1931, and became known as Sister Rose Anastasia, professing her first vows in 1932 and final vows in 1938.
Sister Rose Anastasia earned a BA in English in 1947 from Manhattan College, NY; an MA in Business Education in 1951 from Columbia University, NY and Certificates for Guidance and Religious Studies from St. John’s University, NY and Providence College, RI respectively. During her professional life, Sister Rose Anastasia was an educator in the Archdiocese of NY and the Diocese of Rockville Center in elementary and secondary education. She taught at St. John Chrysostom, Bronx, NY (1932-39); Sacred Heart, Suffern, NY (1939-45); St. Ann, Bronx, NY (1945-46); St. Martin of Tours, Bronx, NY (1946-47); Aquinas HS, Bronx, NY (1947-52); Cathedral HS, Manhattan, NY (1952-55); Msgr. Scanlan/St. Helena HS (1955-68). She worked as a guidance counselor at Holy Trinity HS, Hicksville, NY (1968-75) and was principal of St. Gregory Barbarigo, Garnerville, NY (1977-79). From 1979-85 Sister was the assistant business manager at Albertus Magnus HS, Bardonia, NY. After living in a House of Prayer from 1977-79, Sister Rose Anastasia worked as a spiritual director and offered pastoral care in Dominican Convent up until 2004 when she then became a resident in Siena Hall Infirmary.
We will remember Sister Rose Anastasia for her faith, trust and love in the God she served. She has enriched our lives and we will remember her many kindnesses to those whose lives she has touched. She remained faithful to her commitment as a Dominican Sister of Sparkill for 80 years and we celebrate her 97 years of life. May she now rest in the company of the saints in the kingdom of God.