Sister Rose Daly, CND

January 21, 1922 — April 11, 2024

Rose Mary Daly, CND, formerly called Mother Aloysius Marie, a member of the Congregation of Notre Dame, Blessed Sacrament Province USA, went home to God peacefully at the age of 102 years after a long illness. She was residing at Villa Maria Convent in the Bronx.

Sister Rose’s parents John Aloysius Daly and Mary Veronica McAleer were both of Irish descent and grew up in Consett, England. After marrying, they immigrated first to Canada, later to New York City where Sr Rose was born on January 21, 1922. A baby brother John and her sister Margaret predeceased her.

Sister was a graduate of both St. Jean Baptiste Elementary School and St. Jean Baptiste High School where she was taught by the CND Sisters. She often recalled how formative these years were in her faith life. She also credited the beautiful liturgies and services offered in St Jean’s parish under the administration of the Congregation of Fathers and Brothers of the Blessed Sacrament as playing another vital part in her developing spiritualty as a young person.

Sister Rose entered the CND in 1941, professed First Vows in 1943 and final Vows in 1949.

After First Profession, Sister Rose continued her education and received a Master’s degree in Special Education from Hunter College in Manhattan.

From 1943-47, Sr Rose was missioned as teacher to St Mary’s School in Providence, R.I. Here she honed her teaching skills and began her journey as a woman of the Visitation reaching out not only to the children she taught but to their families as well.

In 1947, Sister was missioned back to her home parish of St. Jean Baptiste where she taught first grade until 1949. Until the day God called her home, many former students continued to be in touch with her. She had made a lasting impact on them.

In 1959, Sister Rose was missioned to the west side of Manhattan to teach eighth grade at St. Columba School. This was the beginning of a long relationship and happy relationship St. Columba parish.

In 1961, Sister Rose was named Principal of Notre Dame School in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. This was a significant transition from the streets of Manhattan to the hills of Vermont; however, Sr Rose adapted well and soon came to greatly appreciate the countryside, the students and parishioners. In the following year, she was also appointed Superior at the Convent.

In 1966, this woman of Visitation was on the road again as she was missioned as Principal and Superior of St. Rose School in Kankakee, Illinois.

This was a challenging move from the mountains of Vermont to the cornfields of Illinois; however, Sister Rose, in her characteristic way, grew to love this mission.

In From 1970-1976. Sister Rose as Principal returned to her first mission at Mary’s School, Providence, Rhode Island, where she was welcomed by many she had taught as a young Sister.

In 1975 Sister Rose was missioned to the CND Provincial Center in Ridgefield, Connecticut where she was Superior and had special responsibility for the care of the retired and sick Sisters. Here she lovingly accompanied many in the last part of their journey home to God.

In 1982, Sister Rose was missioned as Administrative Aide to the Principal at St. Columba School in Manhattan where she had previously taught. She also enrolled in a Clinical Pastoral Education Program at Lincoln Hospital, the Bronx. Upon being certified through this program, Sr Rose was asked to develop parish Ministry to the Elderly in St. Columba parish. With her deep faith and vast experience, Sister Rose began this work which would continue to develop and grow.

Sister Rose collaborated with several pastors over the years and became a trusted resource to the clergy, and the people of the parish and neighborhood who always found in her a listening ear, wise advice and deep compassion.

No matter what their religion, each appreciated her witness to God’s love which marked her life as a Visitation woman.

Sister Rose is survived by her CND Sisters, her niece Rosemary McCue, grandnieces / nephews and great grandnieces /nephews.

Her legacy is one of deep faith in God and her profound love for Jesus and his Mother Mary. She also had a very special relationship with her Guardian Angel and St. Marguerite Bourgeoys the foundress of the CND. God’s love was a gift she shared abundantly with all who knew her.

_________________________________________________________________________.

On Saturday, April 20, a wake will be held at 11am in the Church of St. Jean Baptiste at 76th Street and Lexington Ave in Manhattan.

The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at noon.

Donations in the memory of Str Rose Daly, CND may be made to:

The Congregation of Notre Dame
Attention: Sister Patricia Ells, CND
Sacred Heart University
3135 Easton Turnpike
Fairfield, CT 06825