Sister inherited an Irish and Caribbean ancestry. There is no record of any siblings, her place of education, or her adolescent years prior to entering the Sisters of Compassion at the age of 20.
Sister Rosalie was one of seven Novices who were received into the Noviciate by Mother Joseph Aubert. She inspired and personally trained them into a way of life, to find and serve Christ in all activities especially in the poor, the afflicted, and disadvantaged. Sister spent the early years of her Religious life in Jerusalem-Hiruhārama, working and caring for the Māori community in very primitive conditions both there and in Ranana. Her bright and witty personality enabled her and others to accept the hardships and inconveniences of the times while remaining loyal and obedient to Mother Aubert, especially during the time when there was thought of closing the mission station in 1912. She had a close affinity with Mother Aubert and greatly valued the personal encounters that took place whilst living together.
Following this period, Rosalie was appointed to the Buckle Street Home, and later to the St Joseph’s Home, Silverstream, opened in 1933. She lived a hidden life, attending to duties that received little or no recognition by outsiders. She remained there until 1964 when at her request returned to the Island Bay Home.
Sister Rosalie celebrated both her Golden and Diamond Jubilee. Her wonderful characteristics of courage, devotion to duty, and acceptance of ill health later in life, deeply impressed the Sisters and medical personnel. All were impressed by her quiet, uncomplaining attitude and acceptance of God’s will.
Her wish to die at the Island Bay Home where her beginnings as a pioneer Sister of Compassion began was fulfilled. As recorded in her Panegyric: “She lived and achieved finding God and clinging to God with inner joy unto the end”.
Born Entered Professed Died Place of Death Place of Burial
04.03.1880 16.08.1900 08.12.1901 18.08.1964 Wellington Karori Cemetery
