Sister Rosemary (David Patrice) Eggermann

Sister Rosemary Eggermann

“The minister is called to recognize the sufferings of her time in her own heart and make that recognition the starting point of her service.” (Henri Nouwen)

Rosemary Louise Eggermann entered this world July 29, 1928, in Chicago to Louis and Elizabeth (Hoedebecke) Eggermann. One of three daughters, she was educated at St. Sylvester Grade School and Providence High School, both in Chicago. She did not immediately enter the Congregation after her graduation.

“Her father asked her to wait for a year to enter the Community, which she did,” said Sister Betty Hopf in her commentary for Sister Rosemary Eggermann, who died April 16.

Sister Rosemary entered the Congregation Feb. 2, 1947, receiving the religious name Sister David Patrice. She professed first and perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1949, and 1954, respectively. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

For more than 20 years, Sister Rosemary taught school, starting at St. Ann, Washington, D.C., in 1949. In Indiana, she ministered at St. Thomas Aquinas, Indianapolis; Sacred Heart, Evansville; St. John the Baptist, Whiting; and Cathedral, Fort Wayne. In Chicago, she taught at Maternity BVM, St. Mark and St. Genevieve. Sister Rosemary spent four years ministering at St. Joseph, Hawthorne, Calif. In 1971, she served in the book store at Mother Theodore Guerin High School, River Grove, Ill. From 1974 to 1983, Sister Rosemary ministered in a variety of capacities for companies in the Chicago area.

In 1983, Sister Rosemary began work on a certificate in addictions counseling at Triton College, River Grove, Ill. “Sister Rosemary wrote in her Annual Chronicle report dated May 22, 1986: ‘Tonight I graduated from Triton College with honors. It has been a hard three years, but I have learned so much and met so many wonderful persons. What a growthful experience,’” shared Sister Betty.

“Two months later, Sister Rosemary received word that she passed the state boards and became a certified associate addictions counselor. She was very proud of this certificate, for it allowed her to help others by working with an Intercongregational Alcoholism Program. She also served on panels regarding addictions and served on the advisory board of Women and Sobriety. She wrote a series of articles on various addictions for our Community newsletters,” continued Sister Betty.

The years following this certification, Sister Rosemary also ministered as a course manager/editorial staff member of the Cook County Graduate School of Medicine, Chicago. She served as a secretary at St. Luke Religious Education Office, River Forest, Ill. Sister Rosemary returned to the Woods in 2005.

“Sister Rosemary’s loyalty and devotion to family and friends were obvious to many over the years. She looked after her mother until her death. She was so devoted to her sister Betty and visited her regularly. Another quality Sister Rosemary radiated was her determination and courage in the face of much adversity. This was exemplified in her beautiful spirit of acceptance and resignation in following the requests of those sincerely caring for her best interests,” said Sister Betty.

“The quality that many people noted about Sister Rosemary was her graciousness. Her last words to me at the hospital the day she died were, ‘Thank you for all you’ve done for me.’ She was a very gracious person who appreciated all that was done for her and was disappointed in her last years when she could no longer reciprocate,” continued Sister Betty.

“Some of Sister Rosemary’s friends also describe another part of Sister Rosemary, especially in years past when she was well. They tell of her witty personality, her delightful sense of humor, sharing many fun times, enjoying good conversation, loving to travel and journal about her trips and experiences. She was a talented woman, a gifted woman, and most of all a woman to be admired and praised for her courage and for the love and goodness she shared,” said Sister Betty.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Rosemary was celebrated April 23, with the Rev. Daniel Hopcus presiding. She is survived by her sister Betty Dalke of St. Charles, Ill