SISTER MARY ROSE LUCAS

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SISTER MARY ROSE (MATHILDA) LUCAS, O.S.B. Quietly but suddenly, Sister Mary Rose Lucas went to meet her God at Seven Oaks Hospital on January 6, 2000. She was in her seventy-seventh year of monastic profession as a Sister of St. Benedict, St. Benedicts Monastery, Winnipeg. Sister Mary Rose was born on August 31, 1906 in Browerville, MN to Johanna (Kotula) and Anthony Lucas, who had emigrated from Silesia, Poland. She was the third eldest of eight children. Sister Mary Rose entered the Sisters of St. Benedict in Winnipeg, receiving the religious name of Mathilda. She made her monastic profession on March 26, 1923. She served God throughout her life with great zeal and enthusiasm. She was a teacher by profession, having taught at schools in Arborg, Holy Ghost School in Winnipeg, in Sifton, MB, Mooreton and Karlsruhe, ND and Oyen, AB. She also held several administrative positions in her religious community: Director of Postulants, Council Member, Corporate Secretary and Librarian. In her retirement years, Sister Mary Rose volunteered as a secretary to the Medical Doctor at the Canadian Polish Manor, secretary to St. Benedicts Warmth Club, coordinator for the sponsorship of a foster child in Indonesia through the Foster Parents Plan of Canada and co-organizer of New Horizons (craft club). She spent her last couple of years in the Health Care Centre of the Monastery where she was a cheerful and energetic presence. Prayer was central in her life. Even after she recovered from her first hip fracture in early 1999, she could be seen wheeling herself in her wheelchair to community prayer. Her deep faith and personal relationship with God sustained her throughout her life. She will be remembered by her religious community for her faithfulness to prayer and duty, her always ready before time spirit, her cheerfulness, love of people, generosity, independence and great love of corresponding with friends and relatives. Sister Mary Rose was predeceased by her parents, Johanna and Anthony; her sisters, Sister Armella (Susan), O.S.B. and Frances Masonick; her brothers, Ted, Andrew and Vincent. She is survived by her sister Irene Laumeyer of New Brighton, MN; sister-in-law Alma Lucas of Browerville, MN; numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. A Vigil Service will be held Sunday, January 9 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Benedicts Monastery Chapel presided by Sister Virginia Evard, prioress. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 2:30 p.m. Monday, January 10 presided by Msgr. Louis McCloskey with interment in the Monastery Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. Should friends so desire, donations may be made to the Memorial Fund, St. Benedicts Foundation, 225 Masters Ave., Winnipeg, MB R4A 2A1. Cropo Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements 586-8044. May she rest in peace.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 08, 2000