Rose Margaret Delaney

Warwick, NY

Sister Rose Margaret Delaney, S.F.P., a Franciscan Sister of the Poor for 58 years, died on Saturday, July 19, 2008 at 1:15 a.m. at Schervier Pavilion, Warwick, NY. She was 79 years old. We are indeed grateful for the entire staff of Rehabilitation, Nursing, Housekeeping, Dietary, Administrative, etc. for their care, love and devotion to Sister and the other residents.

Sister Rose Margaret's greatest gifts to the world around her were her love and enthusiasm for the fullness of life and her eagerness to share these gifts with whoever touched her life. Sister was engaged in spiritual direction and retreat ministry most of her life.

Born on March 6, 1929 on a Dairy Farm in Kentucky, she and her three siblings: Betty, J.B. and Rose Marie, milked the cows at 3 a.m. and delivered the milk with their father as their mother prepared a big breakfast before sending them off to school (usually late).

She was a Nurse, Teacher, Administrator and Sister. After studying in Rome, she received her degree in Theology and Scripture and became "Formation Minister" for the new members of the congregation. Soon after, in her 30's, she became a "Minister General", responsible for the International Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor and Health System (hospitals, nursing homes and several service agencies).

For the past 15 years, Sister Rose Margaret lived and ministered to others from the "House of Contemplation" on Ball Road, Warwick, NY. She continued to serve "poor, suffering humanity" as "President of Park Slope Christian Help in Brooklyn" and was always there on all the holidays to serve the poor and hungry and wrote grants for the support of the ministry, and she directed the Board of Directors.

She leaves behind her sister, Betty Hobart, and her brother, James Bernard Delaney and their families: Ed and all their nieces and nephews, great nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Sister Rose Margaret was the greatest friend a person could want and we thank God for her life among us.

Visitation will be on Sunday, July 20, from 3-8 p.m. at St. Anthony's Chapel at Mt. Alverno, 20 Grand St., Warwick, with a wake service at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. on Monday at St. Anthony's Chapel. Interment will follow in Mt. Alverno Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 17 Oakland Ave., Warwick, NY 10990. For further information or to send a condolence, see www.lsvpmemorialhome.com.