Sister Rosemary Anne Kern, CSJ

Sister Rosemary Kern, formerly Sister Thomas Rosaire, lived her 64 years of religious lie in a spirt of wisdom and strength. She shared God’s love with a gentle spirit and a generous heart that touched many lives.

Rosemary was the daughter of Thomas and Rosanna Kern. She entered the congregation n 1955 from the parish of Or Lady of Loretto in Hempstead. After earning a BS in Elementary Education from Brentwood College, she went on to teach in elementary parish schools. Our vision statement says that “Sisters of St. Joseph live a life that is simple, prayerful, courageous and compassionate. If any one of us has lived this it was Rosemary.

Rosemary as many of your know had very poor vision and study was difficult for her so she spent her entire ministry after receiving her Bachelor’s degree teaching Second Grade, not only because she loved preparing the students to receive First Sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist but because the print in the books was large and she could read it  Her ministries included St. Malachy, Brooklyn, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Brooklyn, Holy Spirit, Brooklyn, Holy Child Jesus, Richmond Hill, St. Benedict Joseph Labe, Richmond Hill

After retirement, Rosemary volunteered at Bridge to Life . From 2006 – 2018 she worked as a retired volunteer in Maria Regina Convent, Brentwood.here in Maria Regina as a Eucharistic Minister and any other job that needed attention.  Rosemary loved to crochet and made many baby blankets and afghans for the Gift Shop.

Rosemary had great devotion to the Blessed Mother and prayed many rosaries each day. She also had great love of the Mass. We all know of her courage facing serious illness and her compassion extended to so many people, working with the Propagation of the Faith and helping many in dire needs.

Rosemary will be remembered as a kind and  gentle woman who loved music and was totally committed to her ministry. Sister Rosemary Anne Kern, CSJ died on August 26, 2019 in the 64th year of her religious life.