Rosemarie Chase, SCN, 85, a native of Boston, Massachusetts, died Aug. 4, 2021, at the Motherhouse, Nazareth, Kentucky. She was in her 57th year of religious life.
Sister Rosemarie entered the Congregation in 1961. She was known for her intellect and love of learning, having attended Spalding College (now Spalding University) in Louisville, Kentucky, where she earned her undergraduate degree in history; Trinity College in Washington, D.C.; and Fordham in New York where she graduated with a master’s in theology.
Her early ministries were in the areas of bookkeeping and office management. Among her ministries: Spalding College in the registrar’s office; Holy Family Hospital, Ensley, Alabama, in the business office; La Salette Academy, Covington, Kentucky, in the business office; St. Edward’s in Brockton, Massachusetts; and as an early member of Network, in Washington. She went on to teach theology and to be involved in campus ministry and pastoral ministry. Her ministries included St. Mary’s Academy, Leonardtown, Maryland; Mt. Carmel Convent, New York, where she provided pastoral counseling; and in Ohio, the John XXIII Center in the Diocese of Steubenville; Ohio University, Athens; and Holy Spirit Parish, Columbus; as well as Lazarus House, Lawrence, Massachusetts. Her ministry also brought her back to Nazareth, where she served in many roles, including as a director of the SCN Associate Program, in the archival center, in community service, and as the pastoral administrator at St. Vincent Church. Over the years, Sister Rosemarie carried out considerable ministry to those infected or affected by HIV and AIDs.
Sister Rosemarie was a caregiver for her mother for many years, an avid reader, and dedicated theologian. Sister Rosemarie was able to travel internationally including visiting India. She was also a diehard sports fan with her favorite teams being the Red Sox and the Patriots, as well as the Notre Dame football team. Up until her last days, she delighted in discussing current events, the Bible, and having theological debates and discussions.
She is survived by two brothers, a sister, and many nieces and nephews, with whom she was especially close, and by her religious community.
The wake will take place Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, at St. Vincent de Paul Church, Nazareth, at 6:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial is on Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, at St. Vincent de Paul Church, Nazareth, at 10:30 a.m., with burial in Nazareth Cemetery immediately following the Mass of Christian Burial.
Funeral Arrangements are being handled by Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home, 1475 New Shepherdsville Road, Bardstown, Kentucky. Memorials may be sent to the SCN Office of Mission Advancement, P.O. Box 9, Nazareth, Kentucky, 40048.
Rosie, you are dear to me & I love you
Rosemarie will be having a most interesting conversation with the God she loved! May she rejoice in eternal life!!!