Sister Rose Genevieve Sullivan, CSJ, 92, died Wednesday, July 13, 2011, at St. Joseph's Provincial House, Latham, NY. She had been a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for the past 73 years. Sister Rose Genevieve, the former Margaret Mary Sullivan, was born on February 3, 1919 in Port Leyden, NY, daughter of the late Edward and Rose McAuliffe Sullivan. After graduating from Waterville Central School, Sister Rose entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Troy, NY, on August 15, 1938, and professed final vows on August 15, 1943. She received a bachelor's degree in education from The College of Saint Rose and taught in St. Brigid's School and St. Anthony's School, Syracuse; St. Mary's School, Little Falls; St. Mary's School, Hudson Falls; St. Francis de Sales School, Utica; and St. John the Evangelist School, New Hartford. Sister Rose also served as an aide at St. Mary's Hospital, Amsterdam; a catechetical teacher in St. Anthony's Parish, Endicott; and a parish minister at St. Lucy's Parish, Syracuse. For 10 years, she was associate chaplain and then director of pastoral care at Community General Hospital, Syracuse. In her last years of ministry, Sister Rose was a receptionist at St. Joseph's Provincial, Latham. Sister Rose Genevieve was a gentle, hardworking woman, sensitive to the needs of others at home, in the classroom, in the hospital and on the city streets. As a teacher, she was dedicated to giving her students a sound education. As a hospital chaplain, she met patients and families alike with a kind and compassionate presence. As a parish minister, she had a deep and abiding commitment to the poor and vulnerable. As a receptionist, she was warm and welcoming to whoever entered the door. As a gardener, she exhibited boundless creativity in her love for God's creation. Sister Rose was a devoted Sister of St. Joseph, and she leaves to us a lasting legacy of faith, sacrifice, service and love.
Sister Rose Genevieve is survived by her dear sister, Ruth Manfredo of Tonawanda; her nieces and nephews: Suzanne Curtin of Utica; Terrence Sullivan of Hudson Falls; Neil Sullivan of Argyle; Sean Sullivan of Waterford; Harold Staley of Whitesboro; Kathleen Budzynski of Tonawanda; Susan Gfroerer of Frederick, MD; many cousins and friends; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet with special mention of her beloved friend, Sister Doreen Glynn. In addition to her parents, Sister Rose was predeceased by her brother, John Sullivan; her sister, Helen Staley; and many friends in the Sisters of St. Joseph. Sister Rose Genevieve was a participant in the Anatomical Gift Program at Albany Medical College and donated her remains for medical education and research. Sister Rose's Memorial Mass wascelebrated on Monday, July 18, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of St. Joseph's Provincial House, Latham. Contributions in Sister Rose's memory may be made to the Development Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110.

Published by The Motherhouse in Latham.