Rose Anita McKeon loved her name and, in many ways, was her name. I remember her bright, cheerful smile, her laughter, her kindness and her fun-loving ways. When she came into a room, you could feel her energy and you knew, you were in for a good conversation.

Rose was born in New York City, the youngest of seven children; five sisters – Mae, Hannah, Margaret, Teresa and Kathleen and two brothers – Joseph and Christopher.

She was your stereotypical New York Irish Catholic – proud of her heritage and her family. She loved to talk about her wonderful nieces and nephews. She was baptized in St. Jean the Baptist in Manhattan and attended grade and high school at St. Barnabas in the Bronx.

Ann Patrice always spoke fondly of her mother and, even in her later years – in the midst of her confusion – she would tell you she was going…to visit her mother. Her love of a good time and a good laugh could only have been developed in a warm, cheerful home.

Rose went to Misericordia Hospital School of Nursing in New York City. She always claimed she was in the Delivery Room at the birth of Monica McGloin and implied that this had something to do with Monica’s joining the community. While a student at Misericordia, Rose came to know and admire S. Patricia Sexton and the Dominican Sisters. After graduation Rose entered the Dominican Sisters of the Sick Poor and stayed only for a while.

She returned some time later and, as they say, …never looked back…

Most of Ann Patrice’s religious life was spent in Springfield and Cincinnati, Ohio. Sister Geraldine, the then superior of the Springfield Convent, was both her mentor and her friend. It was under her tutelage that she honed her nursing skills and the art of living religious life sensibly.

Ann Patrice loved animals and the Springfield house had a dog, a beautiful collie that was friendly and a source of joy for all the Sisters. In those days we worked seven days a week with little “down time.” Having a pet was a real asset. When the Ohio houses would get together, the Springfield house would bring their dog with a bright bow in her hair. She could be counted on to add to the festivities.

When the regulation came from “on high” that there were to be no more pets in the convents, it was not well received. Fortunately, S. Geraldine understood the essence of obedience. The dog, by then, was a member of the community and so she stayed. No new pets were acquired. Ann Patrice deeply admired S. Geraldine’s wisdom and kindness. She carried these traits with her when she herself became Superior of the Cincinnati convent.

As superior and nursing supervisor, Ann Patrice was a model in many ways. She was an excellent nurse. Of all the sisters I have known, I would say that Ann Patrice and Brigid were extraordinary in their love and care for the poor. If Ann Patrice had a flaw, it was that she worked too hard. She would go night and day and was always willing to forgo recreation, prayers and sleep to care for a patient. From time to time this would catch up with her. Exhausted, Ann Patrice would go to her room, hang up her DO NOT DISTURB sign and recoup her energy. S. Geraldine had taught her well.

When another edict from “ on high” informed the Sisters they could not go to public parks for picnics, Ann Patrice drove the sisters to Grailville, had them eat lunch in the car and then enjoyed a stroll on the grounds.

Ann Patrice had an inquisitive mind and loved to read, books, the daily newspapers, the Catholic newspapers and whatever else was available. She was always ready for a good conversation. When I would come to Mariandale, she would sit me down and want to know “what was happening?” The conversations included everything from politics to community and she was never above a “bit of gossip.”

She often said she had many acquaintances, but not many friends. This may have been her perception, but many of us treasured her as a friend, and, after she left Cincinnati, people asked about her.

Sister Ann Patrice, our beautiful Rose, you had many acquaintances and many friends, and we are all grateful for the gift you have been to us.

May the road rise up to greet you.
May the wind be at your back.
May the sunshine warm upon your face
The rains fall softly upon your fields,
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.