Sr. Rose Ann Ferrara

Sister Rose Ann Ferrara, SNJM died on February 4, 2016, at St. Peter’s Hospice from complications of her decades-long struggle with diabetes. Sister Rose Ann was born on April 15, 1943, in Buffalo, NY. She was one of four daughters of the late Vincent A. Ferrara and Lucy H. (Minotti) Ferrara. “The Girls”, as they called themselves, maintained exceptionally close bonds as friends, as well as sisters. Sister Rose Ann is survived by these loving sister-friends: Lucille J. Ferrara, Pauline C. Gerrara (Stalker, Robert), and Christine A. Ferrara (Wagner, Robert). Several nieces, nephews, great nephews, many cousins, and many friends also survive Sister Rose Ann. As a young woman, Rose Ann followed her interest in religious topics, completing a B.A. in Religious Studies at Siena College, Loudonville, N.Y. That would be followed, in 1982, by a Masters Degree in Education of the Exceptional Child from the State University College of Buffalo, Buffalo, N.Y. For a short time she explored religious life as a Mill Hill Sister, but, in September of 1984, she joined the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. Here she found a natural expression of her deep faith life and her strong desire to serve children, especially those with exceptional needs. Despite her health setbacks, Sister Rose Ann taught at Catholic and public schools in Albany, N.Y., and Washington, D. C. She also served on the Albany County Chapter for the N. Y. State Association for Retarded Citizens and, for four years, was Associate Director for Catechesis for People with Disabilities in the Albany Diocese Office of Religious Education. When she could no longer teach and needed to be in living situations with more health supports, Sister Rose Ann’s warm personality and positive spirit animated an informal ministry among fellow residents and staff members. Her sincere love of God and of people enabled her to be a prayerful support, a listening ear, and a source of homey wisdom when people confided in her. Sister Rose Ann’s big-hearted, generous, Italian-flavored spirit radiated through all her relationships, wherever she worked or lived. The Ferrara family and the Sisters of the Holy Names wish to thank the wonderful community of residents and staff at Teresian House for sharing their lives with Sister Rose Ann so beautifully for the last eight years of her life. A time for remembering and a memorial prayer service will be held on Saturday, February 6,, at 11:00AM at the Teresian House chapel. Those wishing to celebrate the life of Sister Rose Ann may join the Holy Names community and Ferrara family at this time. A liturgy of Christian burial and internment will be held at a future date. In memory of Sister Rose Ann, contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Names, 606 Morris St., Albany, N.Y. 12208.

Sr. Rose Ann Ferrara

April 15, 1943 - February 4, 2016