R.I.P Sister M. Rose of the Sacred Heart, O.Carm.
Sister M. Rose of the Sacred Heart, O.Carm. passed away peacefully at Teresian House on March 30, 2025 in the 81st year of her religious life.
Marie Frances Spencer was born in Utica, NY on November 11, 1928 to Walter and Rosina (nee Martin) Spencer who were also born in Utica. She was the oldest of six children: Thomas, Charles, Eugene, Doris, and June, all pre-deceased her. Sr. Rose is survived by her nieces: Rosie Were, Catherine Purnell, and June Hjeltness.
Sister Rose entered the Congregation on September 7, 1944, professed First Vows on March 19, 1946, and Final Vows on December 8, 1950. Her assignments included St. Joseph’s Seminary, Yonkers, NY (1948, 1953, 1961) and Mater Christi Seminary, Albany, NY (1958, 1964). She also served at Mt. Carmel Home (1946), Sacred Heart Home (1948), St. Joseph’s Manor (1954-1958), St. Francis Home (1959-1961), and St. Joseph Nursing Home (1972-2014). Sister Rose’s final Obedience was to Teresian House in 2014, where she was admitted to the nursing home in 2019.
Sister Rose was well known for the pillows she made and sold in the gift shop at St. Joseph’s and Teresian House. She loved animals of all kinds from dogs (she always had treats for them and they knew it!), to the therapy pigs that visited Teresian House. She loved chocolate and jelly donuts and her eyes lit up whenever either was brought to her. She never failed to thank anyone for even the smallest thing. Mass and the Holy Eucharist were most important to her and she would always ask what time Mass was and if she had received Holy Communion. Staff, residents, and visitors were drawn to her and she will be greatly missed by all!
Now that her long journey in this world has ended, may the Lord grant Sister M. Rose of the Sacred Heart the fullness of eternal life with Him in the next!
VIEWING
Saturday, April 5, 2025
Infant of Prague Chapel
9:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Teresian House
200 Washington Ave. Extension
Albany, NY 12203
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
Infant of Prague Chapel
Teresian House
BURIAL
Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.
Queen of Carmel Cemetery
St. Teresa’s Motherhouse
600 Woods Road
Germantown, NY 12526