Sister Mary Rose Mullin, H.M., formerly Sister M. Gregory, died at Villa Maria Community Center Saturday, November 21, 2009.    

Sister Mary Rose was born February 16, 1921 in Crestline, Ohio, and was baptized six days later at St. Joseph Church.  She was the oldest of William and Florence (Henry) Mullin’s three daughters. Her mother died tragically in May 1929 as a result of the explosion and fire at the Cleveland Clinic. At that time Mary Rose was eight years old and had two younger sisters, Virginia, and the six month old baby, Jean.  Mr. Mullin married Rosemary Henry, the sister of his first wife, who became mother to his three girls and their daughter Ann Marie. The second Mrs. Mullin never wanted to be considered a “step-mother.”  While raising the girls she saw herself as truly the mother of all four.

Sister Mary Rose graduated from Lourdes Academy, Cleveland in 1938 at the age of 17 and went on to Ursuline College where she completed her Bachelor of Science degree in 1942.  In January 1943 she entered the Sisters of the Humility of Mary at Villa Maria, Pennsylvania from St. James Parish in Lakewood. On July 17, she became a novice, receiving the religious habit and her new name “Sister M. Gregory.”  She professed her first vows two years later and in 1948 made her perpetual vows.

Sister Mary Rose taught the various physical sciences at Villa Maria High School, Villa Maria PA (1945-49), Lourdes Academy, Cleveland (1949-53, 1958-60 and 1966-69),  Central Catholic High School, Canton (1953-55), St. Edward Jr. High, Youngstown (1955-58) and St. John High School, Ashtabula (1960-66).  She was the librarian at Erieview Catholic High School, Cleveland (1976-77) where later she served part-time on the clerical staff (1983-84).

In 1969 she began a new career applying her scientific knowledge in the medical laboratory.  She did medical research at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland (1969-70); was a technician (1970-73) and then director of laboratories (1973-75) at the former Doctors’ Hospital of Stark County in Massillon.  She attended classes at Youngstown State University while serving as a lab technician at St. Elizabeth Hospital (1976-77) and then was involved in the research departments of Cleveland Clinic Hospital (1978-82), and Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital (1982-83). 

A third stage in her life of service began when she returned to Villa Maria Community Center where she oversaw the community library (1984-94) and then served in the Ministry of Prayer and Suffering until her death.   

May Sister Mary Rose Mullin rest in the peace of God.

Memorial contributions may be forwarded to the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, Development Office, PO Box 534, Villa Maria PA  16155

 

 

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