Sister Mary Rosellyn  

Sister Mary Rosellyn                       ND 5738                          PDF Download

Elizabeth Jean THEISEN

Immaculate Conception Province, Chardon, USA

Date and Place of Birth:              April 2, 1945           Norwalk, Ohio
Date and Place of Profession:   August 21, 1965    Toledo, Ohio
Date and Place of Death:            August 7, 2023      Sylvania, Ohio
Date and Place of Funeral:         August 15, 2023    Whitehouse, Ohio

I know that God is using me in ways beyond my comprehension. –Sr. Thea Bowman

Sister Mary Rosellyn expressed herself artistically in many ways, ever creating from her inner well of deep spirituality. Whether witnessing God’s goodness in religious education, ministering to those on the margins, walking with persons entering the Catholic Church or into association with the Sisters of Notre Dame, sewing or preparing a tasty entree, Sister used every God-given talent and grace. When called home to God on Monday, August 7, 2023, in her 58^th year of religious profession and in her 79^th year of life, her life was a masterpiece of commitment.

Born to Donald and Irene (Fisher) Theisen, she was baptized Elizabeth Jean. She was the oldest daughter among three other daughters and two sons. Having attended St. Paul Elementary School in Norwalk, Ohio, she graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Toledo in 1963 having spent four years as an aspirant. She began her teaching career of junior high students in Ohio at St. Joseph, Fremont and Immaculate Conception, Bellevue, but soon moved into schools in Carmel, Muncie and Fort Wayne, Indiana.

In 1980 her ministry became specialized in religious education, and she became the director of religious education in Ohio and Indiana. Having earned a master’s degree in Christian Spirituality, she became the director of Adult Spiritual Renewal in Decatur, Indiana for six years before returning to Ohio in pastoral ministry at St. Martin de Porres, Toledo. While coordinating the RCIA program in the Teresa of Calcutta Deanery, she directed the Associate Program for the Sisters of Notre Dame, as well as assisting in a leadership role for the Toledo Province of the Sisters. In 2019 Sister began volunteer ministries on the margins, particularly supervising visitations for the Children’s Rights Collaborative.

Throughout her life her artistry was evident not only in writing beautiful prayer services, arranging prayer spaces, and providing artistic meals, but also in her welcoming spirit, compassionate and careful listening, openness to diversity, honest feedback, determination, loyal friendships, and peaceful, self-effacing ways.

May Sister Mary Rosellyn enjoy the beauty and peace of eternal presence with her God. “When you come before the Lord, talk to Him if you can. If you can’t just stay there, let yourself be seen. Don’t try too hard to do anything else”. St. Francis de Sales