Springfield Dominican Sister Mary Rose Schleeper died on Dec. 30, 2016 at Sacred Heart Convent. She was born in Grafton, in 1920, to Henry and Rose Etta (Breden) Schleeper and named Mildred Louise. She made her profession of vows in 1945 at Sacred Heart Convent, Springfield.

Sister M. Rose served 24 years as an elementary teacher in Richmond, Mich., East St. Louis and Odell, before joining her sisters in mission in Latin America. She served lovingly and faithfully for 23 years in LaOroya, Lima, and Llanopampa, Peru, teaching religious education and accompanying families at times of need and loss. Sister M. Rose returned to the United States in 1993 and remained active, serving the Dominican Sisters at Sacred Heart Convent, teaching Spanish in Mendota, and for many years after her retirement in 2000, volunteering countless hours at St. Martin DePorres Center, Springfield.

Sister M. Rose was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Florence Erwin; brother, Norbert; and infant brothers, Henry and Paul. She is survived by a niece; four nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins and devoted friends.

A prayer service and visitation was held on Jan. 3 at Aquinas Center, Sacred Heart Convent. Additionally, a funeral Mass was celebrated at Sacred Heart Chapel that evening with Father Peter Witchousky, OP; Father Ronald Margherio, OSB; and Father Joseph Brown, SJ, concelebrants. Morning Prayer and Final Commendation took place on Jan. 4 at Sacred Heart Convent. Burial followed at Calvary Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL 62704.

The Dominican Sisters and family of Sister M. Rose were served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home in Springfield.