Sister Rose Mary (Marie Aubert) Rank, CSJ, 94, died Saturday, June 11, 2022, in the 71st year of her religious life. The daughter of William and Mary Agnes Spurgeon, Sister Rose Mary entered the Congregation from St. Charles Parish in Donora, PA.
Described as dedicated, sincere and forthright, Sister Rose Mary’s education ministry spanned 30 years at eight high schools in the Dioceses of Pittsburgh and Altoona-Johnstown. She ministered as a teacher and guidance counselor beginning at Bishop McCort in Johnstown (1957-1965) and culminating at Bishop Canevin in Pittsburgh (1980-90). Other schools where she ministered included Bishop Guilfoyle in Altoona, St. Veronica in Ambridge, Quigley in Baden, Bishop Carroll in Ebensburg, St. Raphael in Pittsburgh, Hilltop Catholic in Pittsburgh, and Fontbonne Academy in Bethel Park.
Sister Rose Mary subsequently ministered as a patient companion at Mercy Hospital and hospitality aide at Mercy House where her cheerful disposition resonated with those whom she encountered. The organizational skills that Sister Rose Mary practiced in education carried over into her new business environment at the Motherhouse where, in 1999, she became Assistant Coordinator in the Sisters’ Benefits Office.
When reflecting on her decades of service, Sister Rose Mary said, “God used me in ways that I could never have imagined. ” Her greatest love was working with teenagers, helping them to recognize their goodness and strengths. “I wanted them to develop sound Christian values and become responsible, contributing adults,” she recalled at a Jubilee celebration.
Sister Rose Mary viewed her life as “a journey with Jesus” and credited her parents and the Sisters of St. Joseph who taught her for guiding her vocation path. Known for whistling on key, Sister Rose Mary’s passions included family, football, politics and current events.
Sister Rose Mary is survived by a brother, Paul (Cindy) Rank of Rock Cave, West Virginia, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, Associates, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden. The Sisters are grateful for the many caring staff who attended to Sister Rose Mary in Concordia at Villa St. Joseph.
Friends will be received Tuesday, June 21, from 1 p.m. to the close of the Prayer Vigil, which begins at 6 p.m., and Wednesday, June 22, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Medaille Hall at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Wednesday, June 22, at 4 p.m. in the Motherhouse Chapel. All visitors who enter the Motherhouse are required to show proof of vaccination. Donations in the name of Sister Rose Mary may be sent to the Sisters of St. Joseph Memorial Fund, Development Office, 1020 State St., Baden, PA, 15005.