Sister Rose Marie Dwyer died January 4, 2023, at Nazareth Motherhouse in Concordia, KS. She was 88 years old and a Sister of St. Joseph for 70 years. She was born in Jennings, KS on January 24, 1934 to John and Florence Bates Dwyer, the second of ten children, and was baptized Dorothy Marie. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph, Concordia, Kansas on September 8, 1951. On March 18, 1952, Dorothy received the habit of the Sisters of St. Joseph and was given the name Sister Rose Marie. She pronounced first vows on March 19, 1953 and final vows on March 19, 1956.
Sister Rose Marie received a BA degree in literature and education from Marymount College in 1964. She taught in Salina, KS, for 10 years after which time she was invited to join our Sisters in Brazil in 1965 where she spent almost 40 years. After returning to the U.S. she ministered in Kansas City, MO and Plainville, KS. In 2010 she moved to the Motherhouse.
Sister Rose Marie was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers. She is survived by one brother, James Dwyer of Glasco, KS, and five sisters, Della Simoneau, Salina, KS, Dorine Groome, Chicago, IL, Darlene Wallace, Denver, CO, Donna Roberts, San Francisco, CA and Delphia Wendell, Oklahoma City, OK.
A Bible Vigil Service will be held January 9 at 9:30 a.m. in the Nazareth Motherhouse Chapel with Sister Janet Lander as the eulogist. The Mass of Christian Burial will be January 9 at 10:30 a.m. in the Motherhouse Chapel with Father Barry Brinkman presiding. The Mass will be livestreamed on the Sisters of St. Joseph Facebook page. The burial will be in the Nazareth Motherhouse Cemetery. Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, 325 W. 6th St., Concordia, KS is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials for Sister Rose Marie Dwyer may be given to the Sisters of St. Joseph Health Care/ Retirement Fund or the Apostolic Works of the Sisters; P.O Box 279, Concordia, KS 66901. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.