Sister Rose Schweitzer, 100, a founding member of the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, Bismarck, entered into eternal life Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014, at the monastery. Mass of Christian burial is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6 in the Chapel of Annunciation Monastery. Visitation begins today (Tuesday) at 4 p.m. at the monastery and continues until the time of the funeral. A vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Chapel of Annunciation Monastery. Sister Rose (baptismal name Helen) was born Nov. 10, 1913, in a sod house south of Dodge, N.D. She was the second of 11 children of Sebastian and Johanna (Vogel) Schweitzer. She grew up in a loving family where faith was central. Four of the Schweitzer daughters became Benedictine sisters. Helen entered St. Benedict's Monastery, St. Joseph, Minn. in 1937 and made monastic profession on July 11, 1939. As a novice in 1938, she was given the name Sister Rose. In 1944, she transferred her monastic commitment from the monastery in Minnesota to a new community in Bismarck. Here with 143 other sisters including two of her Schweitzer sisters, she helped found what is now Annunciation Monastery. Sister Rose learned to cook and bake at an early age. Food service became her lifelong ministry and she won over the hearts of many people through delicious home cooked food. She cooked and baked in convents and health care facilities in Minnesota and Dickinson, Flasher, Richardton, and Bismarck. She enjoyed baking at St. Alexius Medical Center for 20 years. Because she cared so much for people, she would make birthday cakes for those in the hospital on their birthdays. It was her way to brighten their day. During her retirement, she spent 21 years at a convent in Garrison where she made many endearing relationships with people. She had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed being with people of all ages. She had a way of making others feel comfortable and at home in her presence. She eagerly welcomed them with a bit of nourishment whether it was fresh homemade bread or a good conversation. Devoted to communal and personal prayer, Sister Rose also often prayed three rosaries a day. She celebrated her 75th anniversary as a Benedictine Sister on July 11, 2014. "I have always been happy in this life," she said. "Community life and prayer brings peace." Sister Rose is survived by two sisters, Sister Francis, Frances Fleckenstein, a brother, Adam, all of Bismarck, an extended family and the Sisters of Annunciation Monastery. Memorials may be made to Annunciation Monastery.
Brian Backes
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