Sister Rose Mary Rush Obituary (1919 - 2016)

Portland-Sister Rose Mary Rush RSM (Mary Germaine), 96, of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, died peacefully at Frances Warde Convent on Monday, April 11, 2016. Sr. Rose Mary was born on July 29, 1919, in Millinocket, to Maud Bishop and Eugene Rush. After graduating from Stearns High School, she entered the Sisters of Mercy at St. Josephs Convent, Portland, in 1938, from St. Martin of Tours Parish, Millinocket. In preparation for a career in elementary education, Sr. Rose Mary graduated from St. Josephs College, Standish. She also furthered her education at the University of Maine, Orono and Boston College. Sr. Rose Marys ministry in education spanned over fifty years as administrator and teacher in Maines parochial schools, as well as several years at Beatrice Rafferty School, Pleasant Point Reservation, Perry. Her career took her as far north as Houlton and as far south as Biddeford. She was a treasured teacher/principal at the following parochial schools: St. Dominics, Portland; St. Patricks, Portland; St. Johns, Portland; St. Teresas, Brewer; St. Marys, Biddeford; St. Athanasius, Rumford; St. Marys, Bangor; Cathedral, Portland; St. Josephs, Portland; St. Marys, Houlton; and retired from Holy Cross, South Portland, in 1996. In her retirement years, Sr. Rose Mary became active in the Cathedral Parish as a receptionist. She volunteered at the Good Cause Thrift Shop and at St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen. She garnered many wonderful friends during these years and enjoyed their visits from time to time at Frances Warde Convent. Sr. Rose Mary loved life! It was this enthusiasm and excitement that endeared her to many of her students and they to her. She would often hear from former students by a card, a phone call or a visit and they would reminisce about their times in the classroom. Another interest of Sr. Rose Marys was nature. She enjoyed working in her flower garden while watching for new birds nibbling at the birdfeeders. Once in a while she would take out her map of Maine and plan a day trip, admiring the beautiful scenery, remarking on Gods wonderful works of nature. As Sr. Rose Mary was a woman of prayer and faith; she was always happy to have some extra time to pray for her family and friends. Her outstanding service to Gods people, done quietly and humbly, was fortified by her motto, Thy Will Be Done this was the prayer she truly lived out. Sr. Rose Mary was predeceased by her beloved parents; her brothers Eugene, Charles, and Paul Rush and her close cousin, Helen Rush. She is survived by her dear sister, Jane Montgomery of Millinocket; her sister-in-law, Mary Rush of Portland; several nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; great-great nieces, nephews and cousins. She is also survived by her Sisters in community. Visiting hours will be 4:00-7:00 pm, Thursday, April 14, 2016, with a Prayer Service at 6:00 pm, at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 15, 2016, at 10:00 am, at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial contributions to: Sisters of Mercy, 966 Riverside St., Portland, ME 14103.