We commend to your charity the soul of our beloved

Sister Rose Marie Lipke

Who departed this life on February 9, 2024

In the eightieth year of her religious life

Age: 96 years, 7 months, 11 days

“Let the little children come to me”

Sister Rose Marie Lipke came full circle in her Religious Life. Born in Allegheny, PA on June 30, 1927 to Joseph and Marie (Schmittan) Lipke, she was one of five siblings, including Virginia Lipke Vole, Joanne Lipke Anderson, Rev. Joseph Lipke, and Germaine Lipke Bathen.

Just before 9:00 this morning, Sister Rose Marie peacefully took her last breath and went quietly home to God. Until a few days ago, she had been sharing meals in the main dining room. Being such a loving person, she enjoyed the Sisters’ company and they hers. Sr. Charlotte, one of the Sisters with whom she had lived in Kingston, sat by her side and made sure she had plenty of her favorite coffee.

Prior to her “retirement “as a fine educator, Rose Marie taught in a number of schools, including Stamford Catholic Regional in Connecticut. But she found her niche in Pastoral Ministry. In a number of parishes, she ministered as a pastoral associate as in St. Eulalia’s in Winchester and Holy Family in Concord, MA. During their liturgies, Rose Marie often took on the role of baby sitter. It was not uncommon for her to be seen carrying one of her “little ones” around during the Mass. Her love for them was so evident.

A number of years ago Sr. Rose Marie enjoyed a wonderful experience offered by our Community. She wrote about this as follows:

“It’s good to be back! The Summer has been a great experience for me. Our Community offered for the first time an International Community Summer Program at our General Headquarters in Rome. Yes, overlooking the Vatican! St. Peter’s was my parish church for four weeks. The Program itself was excellent - - and concluded in Germany. The highlight of the Summer was the invitation for our group to attend the Holy Father’s Mass at his Summer residence, Castle Gondolfo. Being a Sister of Divine Providence - - God’s Providence was very evident this Summer. I remembered you all in the many churches and shrines.”

Sister Rose Marie surely knew where to find God’s Providence evident. And we now know that she will continue to see the face of our Provident God, as she enjoys the fullness of God’s life, love, and peace. May she always remember us!   In God’s loving Providence

Birthday: June 30

Sr. Claudia Ward