Sister Mary Rosellen Gallogly, a Sister of Mercy for almost 70 years, died on April 6, 2018 at Mount St. Rita Health Centre, Cumberland, RI.
Sister, daughter of the late Lawrence and Rose (Mimnaugh) Gallogly was born and raised in Providence. In addition to her sisters in Mercy, she is survived by her brother, Raymond Gallogly, and her nieces, nephews, and foster daughters. Her brothers, Edward, Lawrence, Thomas and Vincent; and her sisters Mary Hackman and Rosella McLaughlin predeceased her.
In 1951 Sister began her teaching ministry at St. Michael School in Providence. She continued in Rhode Island diocesan elementary and secondary schools until 1968 when she was assigned to St. James School in New Bedford. In addition to classroom teaching, Sister served as Assistant Director of several programs for Non-English-speaking children. Sister Rose also worked in the New Bedford School System as attendance supervisor and social worker.
In 1982 in coordination with the New Bedford Council of Churches, Sister assumed the directorship of Market Ministries Meals and Shelter, known today as Sister Rose’s House. Sister continued in this ministry until 2014 when declining health necessitated a move to Mount St. Rita Health Centre.
Though Sister Rose impacted many persons and received numerous honors, her humble style was to educate others regarding the importance of showing a human response to human needs. She was happiest when she could enlist others to respond to those needs – Her words: “We can’t do it alone, but together we can make a difference.” – were often repeated in the hope that those she called “the young people” would be inspired to carry on acts of human kindness in order to alleviate suffering. We remember our Sister as a gentle woman of Mercy hospitality to anyone in need!
A service of remembrance will take place on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in New Bedford at Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 12, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Vianney Church in Cumberland, RI. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a Mercy Prayer Service at 10:40 a.m. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland, RI.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sister’s memory to the Sisters of Mercy, 15 Highland View Road, Cumberland, RI 02864 will be appreciated.