Springfield, Ill.—Springfield Dominican Sister Mary Rose Schleeper died December 30, 2016, at Sacred Heart Convent. She was born in Grafton, Ill., in 1920, to Henry and Rose Etta (Breden) Schleeper and named Mildred Louise. She made her profession of vows in 1945 at Sacred Heart Convent, Springfield.
Sister M. Rose served 24 years as an elementary teacher in Richmond, Mich., E. St. Louis, and Odell, Ill., before joining her sisters in mission in Latin America. She served lovingly and faithfully for 23 years in LaOroya, Lima, and Llanopampa, Peru, teaching religious education and accompanying families at times of need and loss. Sister M. Rose returned to the U.S. in 1993 and remained active, serving the Dominican Sisters at Sacred Heart Convent, teaching Spanish in Mendota, Ill., and, for many years after her retirement in 2000, volunteering countless hours at St. Martin DePorres Center, Springfield.
Sister M. Rose was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Florence Erwin, brother Norbert, and infant brothers Henry and Paul. She is survived by a niece and nephew, cousins, and devoted friends.
Prayer Service: 4:00 p.m. with visitation until 6:15 p.m., Tuesday, January 3, Aquinas Center, Sacred Heart Convent, 1237 W. Monroe St. Funeral Mass: 6:30 p.m. convent chapel. Father Peter Witchousky, OP; Father Ronald Margherio, OSB; Father Joseph Brown, SJ, concelebrating. Morning prayer and final commendation: 10:30 a.m., convent chapel, Wednesday, January 4. Burial follows, Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL 62704.
The Dominican Sisters and family of Sister M. Rose are being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.
