Sister Rosemarie O'Brien, RSM

Rosemarie O’Brien, RSM (whose religious name was Mary Raymond Joseph), a Sister of Mercy for 67 years died peacefully Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at Bethany Residence in Providence. Rosemarie was the daughter of the late Raymond J and Catherine (Trainor) O’Brien of Providence RI.  She was predeceased by her brothers Raymond and Joseph O’Brien and her sister Kathleen Powell. She is survived by her brother Lawrence O’Brien and his wife Diane of Coventry, RI and nieces and nephews.

Rosemarie attended St. Michael Grammar School and St. Xavier Academy in Providence.  She entered the Sisters of Mercy in Cumberland, RI on September 8, 1958.  She earned degrees from Salve Regina University and Rhode Island College.

She taught first grade at St Mary School in Pawtucket, Rhode Island for two years before going to Belize. In Belize she taught at St. Catherine elementary school, St. Ignatius School, and Beth Shalom. At St. Ignatius school, she participated in Girl Guides (British Girl Scouts) attending meetings and proudly wearing her uniform as she worked with the girls. She served as the coordinator for the Kerchi Indian Woman Center in Toledo, Belize. Her years in Belize were precious to her, and she often shared her experience so that others could appreciate the people and culture.  As a daughter of Catherine McAuley, she heard the call to meet needs wherever she was.

In 1980 she returned to Rhode Island and worked first as a nursing assistant and later as the assistant director of activities for Mount St. Rita Health Centre in Cumberland, Rhode Island.  In addition to meeting the needs of residents in the Health Centre, she was also a source of joy to those who lived with her at Bear Hill Village. She would often provide little surprises for them and was always available with a kind and listening ear. She was grateful for the kindness they showed to her in her illness.

Her motto was “Nothing is done on earth without consuming oneself.”  Throughout her life of service, she responded to the call of Christ to care for one another.  This was very evident when she battled cancer.  She continued to help others, driving sisters to appointments, sharing her gifts by participating in local and community events even when she was in pain herself. In response to our shared responsibility for all of creation she has chosen a green funeral to protect our Earth. 

Sister's natural burial will take place at Swan Point Cemetery, 585 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, RI at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Saint Aidan and Saint Patrick Church, 1460 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sister’s memory to the Sisters of Mercy, 15 Highland View Road, Cumberland, RI 02864 would be appreciated. Information and condolences, please visit: www.galloglyfuneralhome.com

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