Sister Rosella Molitor, D.C., died May 4, 2020, at The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, Missouri. Sister Rosella donated her body to Science; a Memorial Mass will be held at a later date. Sister was 95 years of age and 62 years vocation as a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.
Born February 6, 1925, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sister Rosella (baptized Dorothy Catherine) was one of two daughters and one son born to Rosella M. (Haffner) and Elmer A. Molitor, both of Fort Wayne. Sister was a 1942 graduate of Central Catholic High School, Fort Wayne.
Sister Rosella entered the Daughters of Charity from St. Mary’s Parish, Fort Wayne in June of 1957. After completing initial formation, Sister was asked to assist with secretarial work at the former Marillac Provincial House, Normandy, Missouri (1958 to 1959). Sister was then missioned to serve in business operations and bookkeeping at many locations: Hotel Dieu Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana (1959); Hotel Dieu Medical Center in El Paso, Texas (1960); Catholic Social Services in Covington, Kentucky (1961 to 1965); and St. Anthony Home in Kansas City, Missouri (1965 to 1969).
Sister next served in Social Work and Bookkeeping at Seton Center in Kansas City, Missouri (1969 to 1974). Sister’s next mission was to Immaculate Conception Parish in Poteau, Oklahoma, to serve in Pastoral Ministry (1974 to 1980). With that parish experience, she was missioned to Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, to assist in Parish Ministry (1980 to 1983).
Sister Rosella returned to the St. Louis area to minister at Marillac Provincial House (1983 to1984) and as receptionist for the Daughters of Charity National Health System – West Central Region (1984 to 1985). Sister was called to serve again in Eagle Butte, South Dakota at Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation (1985 to 1987). She then returned to the St. Louis area to serve at Guardian Angel Settlement Association as driver and home visitor for the elderly and needy (1987 to 1991). Sister Rosella’s next mission was to Our Lady of Hope Parish, in Hope, Arkansas where she served in Parish Ministry (1991 to 1992). Sister once again returned to the St. Louis area where she served at Marillac Provincial House in various areas of Transportation, Communications, and as Sacristan (1992 to 1998). When Marillac Provincial House was closed in 1999, she moved to the Sisters’ Eldon Residence in St. Louis and served as a Volunteer Driver for the Sisters at The Sarah Community. In 2004, Sister Rosella joined the Ministry of Prayer at The Sarah Community and served there until the time of her death.
Sister Rosella is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Robert E. Molitor; and her sister, Rose Molitor Kohrman. She is survived by one cousin; nieces and nephews; and her Sisters in Community.