Sister Rose Tomlinson RSM

She entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1955, and professed her perpetual vows in 1961. Sister Rose dedicated her life to God and to the people of God through Mercy for 69 years.

A graduate of College Misericordia (now Misericordia University), Sister Rose earned a degree in Elementary Education. She was a dedicated teacher and principal in the dioceses of Altoona-Johnstown and Pittsburgh for 57 years. Sister was a soft-spoken, prayerful presence with a delightful sense of humor. She was known for excellence in the classroom as well as in the kitchen as she loved to cook.

Sister Rose was described as a delicate blend of the biblical “Martha and Mary,” a kind and generous person who shared her faith, her gifts and her humor easily.

Sister Rose was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters: Dolores, Millie, Geraldine and Loretta; and her brothers, Paul and Larry.

She is survived by her sisters, Audrey and Lucy; her brothers: Jim, Leo, Ron, Richard and Herb; her many nieces and nephews; as well as friends among the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Associates and throughout the Altoona and Johnstown areas.

The Sisters of Mercy wish to thank the wonderful staff at the Sisters Residence at Mercy Center and The Meadows Skilled Nursing facility, who generously and lovingly cared for Sister Rose. Many thanks to the Hospice of the Sacred Heart staff as well, for making her journey Home as comfortable as possible.

The celebration of Sister Rose’s life will begin with visitation from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Blessed Sacrament Chapel at Mercy Center, Dallas. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m.

Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at Mount Aloysius College Cemetery, Cresson.

Arrangements are by E. Blake Collins Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre.

Memorial contributions in Sister Rose’s name may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, P.O. Box 370, Dallas, PA 18612; or the charity of your choice.

Condolences can be sent to eblakecollins.com.