Sister Angelica Marie died on January 22, 2026 in Camilla Hall shortly after her 96th birthday. Sister died in the 76th year of her religious life. Dorothy Rockwell was born on January 18, 1930. Dorothy’s parents William and Kathryn (Nestel) Rockwell raised their family of two boys and two girls in Good Shepherd Parish in Philadelphia.
Dorothy attended Good Shepherd Elementary School (1936-1944) and West Catholic High School (1944-1948). Later, after entering the community, Sister earned an A.B. degree in Elementary Education from Immaculata College.
On February 2, 1950, Dorothy entered the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Dorothy received her religious habit and her religious name, Sister Angelica Marie, on August 16, 1950 and Sister pronounced her First Vows on August 15, 1952.
Sister Angelica Marie’s full-time classroom ministry (1952 – 1988) centered primarily in the Philadelphia area. Sister served children and families in the following parishes: St. Madeleine, St. Agatha, St. Edmond, Transfiguration, St. Martin, Immaculate Heart in Chester, St. Francis de Sales, Gesu, St. Joan of Arc, Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and St. Clement/Irenaeus.
Sister Angelica transitioned to full-time library assistant (1988-2004) and ministered at St. Barnabas and Transfiguration. Sister then went on to St. Martin of Tours to assist in school until 2010. Sister then moved to Camilla Hall to be of service as a member of the Apostolate of Prayer/Assist community.
Sister Angelica Marie died peacefully on January 22, 2026. May she rest in peace.
In addition to her IHM Community, Sister Angelica Marie is survived by her nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and her many friends. Sister was predeceased by her parents William and Kathryn (Nestel) Rockwell, her sister Maria L. Gale (Frank), her brothers William Rockwell (Helen), and Jack J. Rockwell (Peg).
Sister Angelica Marie’s Funeral Liturgy was celebrated on Friday, January 30, 2026. Reverend Francis Chambers, OSA was the celebrant and homilist.
In Sister Angelica Marie Rockwell’s memory, a memorial donation may be sent to:
Camilla Hall Nursing Home
IHM Mission Advancement Office
230 IHM Drive
Malvern, PA 19355