Sister Roseanne Marie Stecklair (Dorothy) died in Camilla Hall on July 7, 2025, in her hundredth year of life. Sister was in the 72nd year of her religious life. Sister was born Dorothy Stecklair on September 26, 1924. Sister’s parents Francis G. Stecklair and Josephine V. (Kelly) Stecklair raised their family of six in the Philadelphia area. Sister Roseanne’s home parish while growing up was Most Blessed Sacrament in Philadelphia.
Mary attended Most Blessed Sacrament School (1930-1938) and West Catholic High School for Girls (1938-1942). After Mary entered the community, she earned her degree (A.B.) from Immaculata in Elementary Education in 1970.
Roseanne entered the community on September 8, 1953; in this, she followed her sister, Sister Judith Mary who entered on September 8, 1951. Roseanne received her habit and her religious name, Sister Roseanne Marie, on March 8, 1954, and she professed First Vows on March 10, 1956.
Sister Roseanne began her apostolic ministry in March, 1956 at St. Alice School in Upper Darby where she taught 2nd Grade. Following this Sister assisted at our Infirmary at Wernersville. Sister Roseanne then taught for five years at Annunciation School in Bellmawr, NJ, moving from 2nd to 5th grade. Sister then went to St. Louis School in Yeadon for one year teaching 5th and 6th grade. Sister Roseanne taught second grade at St. Francis de Sales School for five years. Sister then taught for one year each in Annunciation School (2nd grade) in South Philadelphia and St. Alice School in Upper Darby teaching 1st grade. From there Sister went to St. Teresa in Runnemede NJ where she taught 1st grade for 5 years. Next Sister was assigned to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Bridgeport for one year (1st grade). Sister Roseanne was then off to St. Monica School in Berwyn where she taught 2nd grade for 6 years. Next Sister went to St. Francis Xavier School for three years where she taught 2nd grade. It was at this time that sister began a long stay in Manayunk at St. John the Baptist School where she stayed for 18 years teaching 1st grade and later assisting in the early learning program there at St. Johns.
In the fall of 2004, Sister Roseanne came to Camilla Hall where she was a constant presence throughout the house managing the dining room for many years.
In September 1924 Sister’s faithful family and friends arrived at Camilla to join in a grand celebration for her 100th birthday.
As in all her loving service as a Sister, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sister Roseanne Marie Stecklair returned to God on July 17, 2025, with heart and hands full of good works and loving deeds.
In addition to her IHM Community, her brother Frank and nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews survive Sister Roseanne. Sister’s parents and her sisters, Sister Judith Mary, Mary Stecklair, Rose M. Winner, Anne T. Cocolo and her sister-in-law Helen (Frank) predeceased Sister.
Reverend John Burger, SSC, (Homilist) celebrated Sister Roseanne Marie’s Funeral Mass on Thursday July 24, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.
ADDENDUM
Frank Stecklair, beloved brother of Sister Roseanne, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to:
Camilla Hall Nursing Home
IHM Mission Advancement Office
230 IHM Drive
Malvern, PA 19355