Sister Rosamond O’Keefe, CSJ, was preparing to celebrate her 75th Jubilee as a Sister of Saint Joseph of Brentwood at the end of September. However, the God to whom she dedicated her life on September 8, 1949, called her home on Aug. 23.
Margaret, as she was baptized, was born to her Newfoundland parents in Brooklyn and was soon joined by her sisters Eileen and Bernadette. They grew up in a loving, faith-filled family. She graduated from St. Vincent Ferrer Elementary School and Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School.
Sister Rosamond began her teaching career at Immaculate Heart of Mary and, from there, went on to teach at St. Francis of Assisi, Ascension, Holy Family, and St. Robert Bellarmine. She earned a bachelor of science degree in English/sociology, a master’s in psychology from St. John’s University, and permanent certification as a school psychologist.
In 1968, she began her over 40-year tenure at Saint Joseph College (University). She was the school psychologist at the Dillon Child Study Center from 1968-1974 and was appointed chair of the psychology department for the Brooklyn and Suffolk campuses (1972-1989).
While continuing to teach at the college, Sister Rosamond moved to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Convent in Richmond Hill in 1985.
Wherever she lived, Sister Rosamond volunteered in her parish Religious Education program. Whether with little ones or young adults, she was an advisor, teacher, mentor, and friend. Her warm, gracious manner, her love of life, learning, and dedicated service endeared her to all. It was evident that Sister Rosamond‘s nieces were very special to her, and she to them, as memories of family gatherings were shared.
Father Thomas Ahearn, one of her students at St. Joseph’s, celebrated the Mass of Christian burial for Sister Rosamond on Aug. 31, praising her as a very special gift. He added that she enlightened each one she accompanied on life’s journey with love, compassion and often laughter, enriching, not only the individual, but the entire Church.
Burial followed in Calvary Cemetery.
It’s wonderful that the Tablet honors these dedicated women with obituaries. Even if we didn’t know them personally, it’s inspiring to learn about their lives of dedication.