Sister Rosemary Rafter (formerly Sister Rose Claire)

Sister Rosemary Rafter, formerly Sister Rose Claire, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. She was 93-years-old and had been a Sister of Providence for 74 years.

Funeral services for Sister Rosemary will take place on Wednesday, December 10, and Thursday, December 11, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

A Wake will take place from 3:30-4:30 p.m., on Wednesday, December 10, with the Vesper Service at 4:30 p.m.

Another Wake will take place from 10-11 a.m., on Thursday, December 11, with Mass of Christian Burial taking place at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Sister Rosemary to the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Rosemary Rafter (formerly Sister Rose Claire)

Complete Ministry

In Indiana: Teacher, St. Patrick, Fort Wayne (1953-57); Teacher, St. Ann, Terre Haute (1957-58); Teacher, St. Luke, Indianapolis (1961-63); Teacher, Sacred Heart, Evansville, (1965-66); Teacher/Principal, Sacred Heart, Evansville (1966-69); Corporate Renewal Team Member, Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (1972-74); Provincial, Sacred Heart Province, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (1974-77); Residential Service/Health Care Volunteer, Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (2022-2025).

In New Hampshire: Teacher, Lady Isle, Portsmouth (1958-61).

In Illinois: Teacher, St. Andrew, Chicago (1962-65); Director of Student Services, Mother Theodore Guerin High School, River Grove (1977-80); Student Counseling Psychology, George Williams College, Downers Grove (1980-82); Pastoral Minister, St. Joseph Parish, Downers Grove (1982-84); Pastoral Associate, St. Joseph Parish, Downers Grove (1984-2008); Volunteer, Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul, Joliet (2008-09); Volunteer, Catholic Charities Ministry of Care, Joliet (2009-10); Volunteer, St. Thomas Hospice, Hinsdale (2010-22).