Sister Mary Rosalind 

Sister Mary Rosalind                 ND 4381                  PDF Download

(formerly Sister Mary Janicemarie)

Rosalind VILICS

Christ the King Province, Chardon, Ohio, USA

Date and Place of Birth:            March 18, 1929    Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Profession:   August 16, 1949   Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Death:           May 12, 2020       Health Care Center, Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Burial:           May 18, 2020       Resurrection Cemetery, Chardon, Ohio

“You are my Sunshine…”

Rosalind was the older of the two girls born to James and Rose (Holieter) Vilics and spent her childhood in a home where strong, lasting family bonds were nurtured. She and her sister, Janice, learned to appreciate and take pride in their Hungarian heritage. Quiet and shy, she became more outgoing when she entered school and formed new friendships. While in the elementary grades at St. Margaret School in Cleveland, Rosalind experienced a strong desire to become a religious and, through high school years at John Hay in Cleveland, prayed fervently for the grace to accept this call. In February of her senior year, Rosalind transferred to Notre Dame Academy and entered the Sisters of Notre Dame. At investment, she received the name Sister Mary Janicemarie.

While earning a bachelor’s degree in education from St. John College in Cleveland, Sister began her ministry as a primary grade teacher, which spanned forty-five years, in schools in both the Cleveland and Youngstown Dioceses. Whether serving as teacher, tutor or aide, Sister Mary Rosalind was characterized by gentleness and love for little children. Her carefully prepared lessons were focused on meeting the needs of each student. She recognized the importance of teaching the individual and not just the group. Preparing children to receive the sacraments for the first time was a special privilege and joy.

In 1994 Sister Mary Rosalind moved to the Provincial Center and assisted in the ND India Mission Office and then with activities in the Health Care Center. Her desire to interact more directly with the residents who were room-bound enabled her to meet the needs of the individual sister. Patience, understanding, creativity and great love were hallmarks of her daily visits. Her peaceful presence made her a welcome visitor to those who needed a special pick-me-up!

Throughout her life Sister Mary Rosalind was challenged by psychological difficulties, but was graced with the ability to become engaged in life and not overcome by her struggles. She acknowledged and used the gifts she had been given. In the past few years, as she experienced a slow general decline from the effects of dementia, Sister was an inspiration to the Health Care Center staff and those she met each day. The twinkle in her eye and her ever-present smile brought sunshine to others, both young and old.

Sister’s devotion to Our Lady, taught to her by her own mother, Rose, was always a source of comfort and reassurance. May she now delight in the joy of eternal life.