Sister Rose Ann Rovnak

july 19, 1926 - april 5, 2020

Sister Rose Ann Rovnak (formerly Sister Justine), a member of the School Sisters of St. Francis United States Province, died on April 5, 2020, at Vincentian Home in Pittsburgh, Pa. She was 93 and in her 74th year of religious life.

Sister entered the community in 1943 from Holy Family Parish in Erie, Pa., and professed first vows in 1945 at Mount Assisi Convent in Pittsburgh. She received a bachelor’s degree in education from Seton Hall University in New Jersey and also took courses at Mount Mercy College (now Carlow University) and Indiana University.

Sister Rose Ann taught the elementary grades at parish schools in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia for a total of 38 years. Sister also attended the Beauty Academy of Pittsburgh and was awarded a diploma in Beauty Culture. She was actively engaged in internal ministries for 14 years until her retirement. For many years and until her death, she was faithful to our prayer ministry.   

Sister Rose Ann, the daughter of the late Michael and Anna (Macosko) Rovnak, was one of 11 children. She was preceded in death by five sisters — Ann Kitza, Mary Drabic, Helen Shaffer, Agnes Chludzinski and Cathy Richwalsky — and four brothers — Nicholas, Vincent, Michael and Steve Rovnak. She is survived by her religious community; her sister, Sister Margaret Elaine Rovnak; and numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Sister’s cremated remains will be buried in St. Francis Cemetery at Mt. Assisi Place in Pittsburgh during a private committal service on September 12, 2020. Arrangements have been made by Lawrence T. Miller Funeral Home in Bellevue, Pa.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the School Sisters of St. Francis Retirement Fund, 4900 Perry Highway, Suite 201, Pittsburgh PA  15229.

Sister Rose Ann died during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of associated restrictions, a memorial Mass will be held at a later date.