Hawaii-born sister a teacher for 50 years and a great cook
Sister Rose Fatima Leite, a Sister of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, who was a primary school teacher for more than 50 years, died Jan. 16 at St. Francis Convent in Honolulu after a long illness. She was 87 and a religious sister for 68 years.
Sister Rose Fatima was born Vivian Leite in Pepeekeo, north of Hilo on the Big Island, the daughter of Joseph and Mary Munoz Leite. She graduated From Hilo High School and worked as the cafeteria manager at St. Joseph School, Hilo, where she came to know the Franciscan sisters and discovered her religious vocation.
She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1951 and made her perpetual vows in 1957. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Chaminade College of Honolulu and a master’s degree from the University of San Francisco.
She taught briefly in Riverside, New Jersey, and Syracuse, New York, and then for 50 years as a primary school teacher at St. Joseph Elementary School, Hilo. Her active ministry concluded in the spiritual care department and gift shop at St. Francis Medical Center.
Sister Rose Fatima’s gracious and prayerful manner and vivacious smile lasted a lifetime. As a teacher, her learning centers paved the way for individualized computer instruction, and she prepared children for their First Communion for years.
A superb cook and baker, she daily prepared dinner for 20-plus sisters and prepared sumptuous buffets for many holiday parties and jubilees.
Sister Rose Fatima was predeceased by her parents and brother, Henry. She is survived by a sister, Mildred Barge (Riverside, California), a brother, Douglas (Mary Ann) (Hilo), and a sister-in-law, Soon Yea (Aiea), nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and nephews, and the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities.
Her funeral will be at St. Francis Convent, 2715 Pamoa Road in Honolulu on Feb. 23. Visitation is at 9 a.m., eulogies at 10:15 a.m., Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch and interment at Diamond Head Memorial Park at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis at 2715 Pamoa Road, Honolulu, HI, 96822.
