Sister Mary Julie Rose  

Sister Mary Julie Rose                 ND 4530                PDF Download

Roseann Sophia KECK

Immaculate Conception Province, USA

Date and Place of Birth:              September 13, 1932    Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Profession:    August 16, 1953           Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Death:            May 16, 2024                Health Care Center, Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Burial:            May 24, 2024                Resurrection Cemetery, Chardon

“His Love is everlasting.”

As the second oldest of the five girls and one boy born to Joseph and Josephine (Hamm) Keck, Roseann was never at a loss for playmates. Her growing up years were filled with family, friends, neighbors and school. She loved each day and every experience. In her autobiography she wrote, “My spiritual life began within my family, nourished and shaped by Mom’s caring, by Dad’s industry and creativity, and by their love of prayer.” After elementary school at St. Joseph in Collinwood, Roseann chose to attend St. Francis High School in Cleveland. Here she met the Sisters of Notre Dame and formed life-long friendships. She was a conscientious student and enjoyed all subjects, especially those related to business. At graduation in 1950, Roseann received the Mother Evarista Scholarship to Notre Dame College in Cleveland. She began college and then entered as a postulant on September 8, 1950. At investment she received the name Sister Mary Julie Rose.

Sister Mary Julie Rose earned a bachelor’s degree from St. John College in Cleveland and a master’s degree in administration and curriculum from St. Xavier College in Chicago. Her years of ministry in elementary education as principal and junior high teacher took her to schools in Ohio, Virginia and Washington, DC. Sister was naturally curious and interested

in finding out the “why and how.” Her students acquired a sense of wonder and appreciation for research and study. As computer technology emerged, Sister’s keen interest kept pace. She even organized and set up a student computer lab in the convent basement!

In 1990 Sister Mary Julie Rose transitioned to a new area of ministry. She served as a secretary in the Cleveland Diocesan Education Office and then in the Chardon Provincial Secretarial Office for twenty-five years. Sister was accurate, proficient and patient. She met each person with a gracious smile and offer of assistance. Much of her work centered around the computer – generating lists, updating records and indexing files. She enjoyed the challenge of mastering new programs and working with others to apply them.

Sister Mary Julie Rose had great respect and love for her family and her sisters in community. She was a good conversationalist, delighted in a worthwhile book, and was always ready to join others for a swim or other fun activities. As her health declined, Sister remained grateful for life and all who were part of her journey. She loved God with her whole heart and soul – God had given her everything – and dedicated every action for God’s greater glory. We are grateful for the many hidden and selfless gifts she shared with our SND community. May she rest in the love of our good and gracious God.