Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Rose Irene Parkhurst, CSJ, who died on May 22, 2025, at the Teresian House in Albany. She had been a Sister of St. Joseph for 75 years.
Sister Rose was born in Rochester, New York, and later, her parents, Mary and Cecil, relocated the family to Rome, New York. Rose was one of seven siblings and often noted that she had a wonderful lesson in the joys of living in community. After graduating from St. Aloysius Academy in Rome, Rose entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1949. She made her religious vows in 1952.
Sister Rose had a rich and varied ministry. For several years, she taught grade school, eventually finding herself assigned to every grade level. Because she was both gifted and flexible, Sister Rose was often changed; she accepted these challenges with her usual calm and willingness to do her best. Her students liked her, particularly her fairness to each one. They also discovered her low-key sense of humor and loved to tease her, delighting when she would respond in kind.
Eventually, Sister Rose was called to administration and then to parish visitation, new ministries that delighted her. Once again creative and flexible, Sister Rose gladly gave her talents at neighborhood centers, justice councils and other agencies. She would remain in these ministries except for a wonderful sabbatical experience at the Pontificio Instituto in Rome, Italy. Sister Rose returned grateful and recharged until she retired at Shaker Pointe.
Sister Rose opened her whole heart to God with a life well lived. She loved her religious community. and she also loved her family, spending time with her siblings and with the numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom returned the love. “Aunt Rose” was a cherished visitor.
Sister Rose was predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Cecil and Thomas. She is survived by her sisters, Mary Whittemore and Kathleen Parkhurst; and brothers Michael (Marybeth) and Robert (Joyce), along with a host of grateful nieces and nephews. The Sisters of St. Joseph are grateful to the staff at The Teresian House for their loving care.
A wake service will be held at St Joseph’s Provincial House on Tuesday, May 27 from 2 – 4 p.m. with a prayer service at 3 p.m. The funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, May 28 at 10:30 a.m.
Contributions in Sister Rose’s memory may be made to the Office of Mission Advancement, St Joseph’s Provincial House, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY. 12110 or donate online.