Sister Rosellen Ann McCann, CSJ

In the midst of our sadness we gather to celebrate the life of Rosellen Ann McCann, a Sister of St. Joseph for fifty two years.

Rosellen received life from her mother, Claire and her father, Edward and grew up in Brooklyn along with her siblings. She cared deeply for her family especially all of her nieces and nephews and their families.

Rosellen attended Assumption elementary school and Bishop McDonnell High School. She continued her education at Hunter College and earned a Bachelor’s degree in both Geology and Anthropology and then in Education from Hunter College. She entered the congregation in 1966 where she later earned a Master’s in School Counseling and Administration and Supervision.

Having earned her degrees before entering the congregation, she began her teaching ministry here in Brentwood at St. Anne’s. Rosellen returned to Brooklyn to teach in St. Rose of Lima and the Holy Family in Flushing. She served as a guidance counsellor at Bishop Kearney High School before serving as Principal of Our Lady of Lourdes. She returned to teaching at St. Joachim’s in Cedarhurst.

Throughout her life Rosellen lived the way, the truth and the life revealed to her by her loving God. It was a way of attentiveness to the needs of others, selfless and unique.

It was a way that influenced the lives of so many in her ministries and here in the convent and in Maria Regina.

Rosellen loved the Mets, her caps and Disney Characters but she genuinely reached out to others to show concern and to lift spirits when they were down. It might have been a simple treasure from her pockets or a question like, “How are you doing kid?” It was her way of living God’s way of joy, welcome and compassion.

Today we celebrate her way and are thankful for her life with us. She  will live on in our hearts as we continue to find our way of living the gospel call of love of God and neighbour without distinction.

Sister Rosellen Ann McCann, CSJ died on March 16,2017 in the 52nd year of her religious life.