SINSINAWA, Wis. – Sister Rosemary Empen, OP, died March 2, 2022, at St. Elizabeth Manor, Footville, Wis. Her religious name was Sister Aemilia. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, March 11, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.

Sister Rosemary made her first profession as a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Aug. 5, 1957, and her perpetual profession Aug. 5, 1960. She taught for 16 years and served as principal for five years. Sister Rosemary was a missionary in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, for 13 years. This work led her to continue her ministry with Spanish-speaking people when she returned to the United States. She served as pastoral minister for 12 years, director of a multicultural center for five years, and codirector of a Catholic parish for 10 years. Sister Rosemary was a gentle person who responded to the needs of others by asking, “What will we do about this?”

She also served in Illinois, New York, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Mississippi. In the Diocese of Jackson, Sister Rosemary served as codirector at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Houston, 1996-2006.