Sr. Rose Marie McCann, age 87 of the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg, died November 5, 2021 at the convent. Born on January 26, 1934, in Dover, Indiana, she was the third of nine children born to Loretta (Nee: Vogelsang) and Leroy McCann.
Sr. Rose Marie met the Franciscan Sisters attending St. John the Baptist school in Dover. She spent two years at Guilford High School and would graduate from the Oldenburg Academy. She entered the Franciscan Community in 1951 and took her final vows in 1957. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in education from Marian University and a Master’s degree in education from Xavier University.
In an interview at the time of her 60th jubilee, Sr. Rose Marie noted, “How can one be so blessed in one lifetime? I was born into a wonderful family of nine children. Then at age 17, I was born into a loving family of approximately 800 religious women. I was very young. The result is 60 wonderful years of ups and downs, and much joy, peace and happiness.”
During her retirement at the Motherhouse she volunteered her time as she was able. One of her greatest joys was gathering with her family for card games that were played into the night as humorous stories were shared and memories were made. In reflecting on her career, she smiled as she recalled, “After teaching primary grades for 34 years, I felt a need for change. For nine years I dispensed medications as a QMA to the residents of Marquette Manor Health Care Center and later, as a receptionist there. I loved working with senior citizens, listening to their wisdom and life stories. They are a gift.”
She is survived by sisters Anne Reisman of Sunman, Indiana, Patricia Schuman of Brookville, Indiana, Linda Auel of Sunman; brothers Russell and Thomas McCann, both of Guilford, Indiana as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by sisters Edith Baxter, Carol Niese and brother Vernon McCann.
Visitation is Friday, November 12th, from 1 – 3 p.m. at the convent. Funeral services follow at 3 p.m. with Rev. Bob Ross officiating. Guests who have been vaccinated are welcome to attend but masks are mandatory. For those unable to attend the service will be live streamed at https://youtu.be/UqYMjpww3fQ. Memorials may be made to the Srs. of St. Francis, P.O. Box 100, Oldenburg, IN, 47036 (www.OldenburgFranciscans.org). For online condolences and complete obituary go to www.weigelfh.com.