Sister Rosemary Connelly Tribute | Misericordia

"You need to give them more than a life - you give them a life worth living." - Sister Rosemary Connelly, RSM

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Sister Rosemary Connelly, RSM born into life on February 23, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, to Bridget and Peter V. Connelly from County Mayo, Ireland. She grew up in a family rooted in deep faith and service, which led her to join the Sisters of Mercy when she was just 18 years old. Sister Rosemary was awarded the University of Notre Dame's 2023 Laetare Medal, considered the oldest and most prestigious honor given to an American Catholic. She also received numerous honorary degrees, awards and honors throughout her life.

Two people, one child and one adult, posing together against a plain background.

Sister Rosemary credited the Sisters of Mercy for providing the education that shaped her work and for her sisters’ steady love and active support as Misericordia grew and found ever-expanding and creative ways to respect the dignity of each resident and foster lives worth living. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.”

Two people in festive attire with a microphone against a Christmas tree background

In 1969, when Sister Rosemary was appointed to the role of administrator at Misericordia Heart of Mercy on Chicago’s South Side, there were no services for children with disabilities. So she started a variety of programs designed to help the children achieve the highest level of
independence possible. In 1976, Sister Rosemary, 39 children and 35 dedicated staff members moved to the former site of Angel Guardian Orphanage on the North Side of Chicago at 6300 North Ridge

Two elderly people embracing in a warm hug with a community setting in the background.

Sister Rosemary was instrumental in developing a compassionate and holistic approach to caring for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and set the tone for Misericordia, believing in the potential of each and every individual and in their right to life of dignity, challenge and respect. She oversaw a far-reaching program that has become one of the nation’s leading communities for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Two women standing together, one older and one younger, in a formal setting.

Always humble, Sister Rosemary credited her great staff and the residents themselves for making Misericordia an extraordinary place, providing exceptional programs for those who need its services, giving peace of mind to families and sharing its mission with supporters across the country.

Sister often said, “At Misericordia we look upon each one of our children and adults as a person with individual needs, feelings, aspirations, limitations and gifts. Each one is unique, a gift to us today, a loving a loved person made by God with a purpose in life—no matter how wrapped in mystery that purpose is. We believe, we accept, we love each person and we are a better people because they have touched our lives.”