Sister Rose Miriam Schillinger, a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for the past 70 years who served four decades in Catholic Schools on Oahu, died July 2 at St. Joseph’s Provincial House in Latham, N.Y. She was 88.
Sister Rose Miriam was a dedicated educator: a kind, effective teacher and an affirming, respected principal. She was ever thankful for her years in Hawaii and loved the beauty of the islands, the people, the culture and the traditions.
A devoted sister and aunt, a faithful friend and a treasured Sister of St. Joseph, Sister Rose embraced life and all it had to offer, and she faced her last few years of physical limitations and challenges with courage and grace. Sister Rose viewed all of life as a blessing, and leaves a legacy of a grateful, hope-filled heart.
“She was an competent and compassionate educator and administrator and a trusted partner with the parish priests and pastors she served with,” said Father Gary Secor, vicar general of the Diocese of Honolulu. “She blessed the lives of many local families and children.”
“May God reward her for her goodness and love,” he said.
In Hawaii, Sister Rose Miriam served in teaching and administrative positions in Kailua and East Honolulu. She was also a member of the vice-province leadership team here.
Sister Rose Miriam was born Joan Anne Schillinger in Watervliet, N.Y., on April 29, 1927, to Joseph and Mary Hayes Schillinger. On March 19, 1945, she entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph and professed final vows on Aug. 15, 1950. She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in education, both from The College of Saint Rose.
Sister Rose served in the ministry of education for 64 years: 24 years in schools of the Albany and Syracuse Dioceses and 40 years in the Diocese of Honolulu.
On Oahu, she was assigned to St. Anthony School as teacher and principal (1970-1979); Holy Trinity School as teacher (1982-1984) and principal (2006-2010); Star of the Sea School as administrator (1984-1989) and principal (1989-1991); and St. Patrick School as librarian and counselor (1991-1992) and as principal (1992-2006).
Sister Rose was assistant to the administrator at her community’s St. Joseph’s Provincial House in Latham.
Sister Rose Miriam is survived by two sisters, Marion Stangler and Marjorie Schramek, both of Florida; many nieces and nephews and their families; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, with special mention of her dear friend, Sister Margaret Leonard Perreira.
She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Nan Inglis, brothers James, Joseph and Thomas Schillinger; and many friends in the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Sister Rose Miriam’s funeral Mass was July 6 at St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham. She was buried at Our Lady Queen of Virgins Cemetery on the provincial house grounds. Contributions in Sister Rose’s name may be made to the Development Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Rd., Latham, NY 12110.
