Sister Rosemary Connelly’s faith-fueled fight for lives worth living

From the moment I met Sister Rosemary Connelly, it was clear she was someone extraordinary. Her presence radiated warmth and compassion, and her smile made everyone feel seen and loved. As a longtime friend and supporter of Misericordia, I was welcomed with open arms by the then-executive director, Lois Gates, and eagerly attended and covered as many of the organization's events as possible.

At each event, Sister Rosemary personally greeted every guest with genuine charm and grace. She had a unique ability to make everyone feel valued, enchanting supporters just as she did her beloved residents of Misericordia Heart of Mercy, where she served as administrator for 56 years.

Sister Rosemary's journey began when she joined the Sisters of Mercy at 18. She attended Chicago parochial schools and taught in several Archdiocesan schools while continuing her studies. In 1959, she earned a Bachelor of Social Science from St. Xavier University, followed by a Master of Arts in Sociology from St. Louis University in 1966, and a Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago in 1969. Her dedication and impact were recognized nationally when she was awarded the University of Notre Dame's 2023 Laetare Medal, the oldest and most prestigious honor given to an American Catholic.

In 1969, upon her appointment as administrator at Misericordia Heart of Mercy on Chicago’s South Side, there were no services for children with disabilities. Sister Rosemary took it upon herself to create programs that would help these children achieve the highest level of independence possible. In 1976, she, along with 39 children and 35 dedicated staff members, moved to the former site of Angel Guardian Orphanage on the North Side of Chicago at 6300 North Ridge. Today, Misericordia serves more than 600 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

On November 9, 2019, Sister Rosemary was honored at an event celebrating her 50th anniversary with Misericordia. In her speech, she shared, “Here at Misericordia, we are true believers, and we know we are called to make our world a more compassionate and loving world, especially for the wounded members of society. How blessed we are that they have found their way to me.”

I asked Lois if I could have Sister Rosemary's hand-written notes from that speech, and she graciously agreed. They are a treasured keepsake for me—a tangible connection in a saint’s hand.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at Holy Name Cathedral, located at 735 North State Street, Chicago, IL 60654. Free Parking is available at 14 West Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60654. Sr. Rosemary's Funeral Mass will be live streamed, please scroll down to Webcast and click Watch Now or CLICK HERE.

Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Misericordia Foundation c/o the Sister Rosemary Connelly Fund.