Sister Rose Mary Bira of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died on May 27, 2024 in Siena Hall, Dominican Convent. Sister was 90 years old and in her 72nd year of religious life.
Born in St. Louis, MO on February 6,1934, Rose Mary was the daughter of Robert and Catharine Bree Bira. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1952, and received the name Sister Loretto Rose. She professed her first vows in 1954 and final vows in 1959.
Sister Rose Mary received a BS in Education from Webster College, St. Louis, MO, 1969, and an MA in Religious Education from St. Thomas University, Houston, TX, 1977.
Sister Rose Mary’s teaching ministries include St. Mary School, Fulton, NY (1954-1958); Epiphany School, St. Louis, MO (1958-1959) (1969-1973); St. Thomas More School, St. Louis, MO (1959-1968); St. Kevin School, St. Louis, MO (1968-1969); and St. James the Greater School, St. Louis, MO (1973-1978). Sister Rose Mary served as Religious Education Coordinator/ Director at St. Robert Parish, St. Charles, MO (1978-1980); St. Joseph Parish, St. Louis, MO (1980-1988); St. David Parish, St. Louis, MO (1988-1990); and Don Bosco Parish, St. Louis, MO (1990-1999). From 1999-2004, Sister Rose Mary was a telephone marketer at Catholic Extension Society, and from 2004-2009 an Assistant Librarian at Nerinx Hall High School, St. Louis, MO.
Sister Rose Mary is predeceased by her parents Robert and Catharine Bree Bira; her siblings, Loretto (Harold) Naumann and Stephen (Virginia) Bira. She is survived by her sister, Catharine Diekemper, many nieces and nephews, and her Dominican Sisters, Associates, and friends.
Sister Rose Mary made a difference in the lives of countless children and adults in her educational and pastoral ministries. She faithfully and joyfully proclaimed the Word of God through ministry for justice and reverence for all God’s creation. We thank God for her life and commitment as she is welcomed into the fullness of God’s presence. Well done, good and faithful servant, Sister Rose Mary Bira. May you rest in Peace!
Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, May 31, 2024
Wake: 9:30 am; Prayer Service, 10:30 am (Wake Live Stream Link Here)
Mass at 11:30 am (Funeral Live Stream Link Here)