SISTER ELIZABETH ROSSI

Sister Elizabeth Rossi, OSB, 91, passed away October 24, 2017. She was born on April 16, 1926 to Paul Rossi and Jane DeSalvo Rossi and was given the name Grace Helen. She grew up on a farm in Center Ridge, AR with her five sisters and three brothers. Upon being received at St. Scholastica Convent June 24, 1944, she took the name Sister Mary Elizabeth Rossi. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Our Lady of the Lake College in San Antonio, TX and a Master’s degree in Education at University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Sister Elizabeth spent 45 years teaching elementary school in St. Boniface School in Fort Smith, Archbishop O’Brien School in Russellville, St. Edward School in Little Rock, St. Joseph School in Fayetteville, and several other schools in Arkansas and Missouri. She served as the community’s subprioress from 1977-81. Upon moving back to the monastery, she became house coordinator for the Sisters before retiring to the Infirmary and then Chapel Ridge Health and Rehab. Sister Elizabeth is survived by a brother, Pete Rossi, and a sister, Bernadine Rossi Noll.

Preceding her in death are her parents; four sisters: Sister Mary Paul Rossi, Annie Rossi, Josie Rossi, and Madeline Rossi; and two brothers, Tony Rossi and Angelo Rossi. Her nieces and nephews served as pallbearers.

Vespers for the Dead were prayed on October 30, 2017 and her funeral Mass was celebrated October 31, 2017, with Father Les Farley presiding, followed by burial in the monastery cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Scholastica Continuing Care Fund, P. O. Box 3489, Fort Smith, AR 72913 Donate In Sr. Elizabeth Rossi’s Memory
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