Celebrating International Women's Day with Sister Rosemary Wack's Remarkable Journey

As we celebrate International Women's Day, we honor Sister Rosemary Wack, SNDdeN (February 18, 1929 – March 24, 2024), whose 95 years of joyful service exemplify the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. From classrooms in Ohio to pioneering work during Vatican II to establishing our mission in Kenya, Sister Rosemary's journey—shared here by her niece Kathleen Wach—planted seeds that continue to flourish as our congregation grows throughout Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Written on February 20, 2024, By Kathleen Wach 

My aunt Rosemary Wack, SNDdeN, has been a source of unconditional love and spiritual guidance my whole life. She is my late father’s older sister – and at 95, the sole survivor of the nine siblings in my father’s family. She regales us with stories about their childhood in Dayton, Ohio, madcap antics in the small house (one bathroom for eleven people!) and life lessons learned staffing the general store their father bought during the Depression.  

Rosemary’s long life has been spent in the joyful service of the Lord. She joined the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur following high school; taught elementary school (developing a love for the fearsome 8th graders) and was appointed principal by age 30.  

Sister Rosemary (right) at the Eregi convent (Kenya) with the Sisters of the Blessed Virgin

At age 33, to her considerable shock, she was appointed to the international leadership for her order in Rome. Because canon law set 35 as the minimum age for congregation’s leadership, a waiver had to be obtained. She was in Rome during the heady, thrilling years of Vatican II, when the Church was opening its windows and all things seemed possible. She arrived in Rome in full-length black habit and departed (six years later) in a sensible dress, bareheaded.  

She went to Kenya, to start the SND’s new mission in that country, and taught several generations of teachers at the Egoji Teachers Training College in Meru, Kenya. After 30 years, she came home to Ohio and earned a nursing degree. Returning to Africa, this time to Harare, Zimbabwe, she provided medical care for another decade.  

Rosemary was beloved by her nieces and nephews and much sought-after by staff, fellow sisters and all, because she is joyful and wise, and great-hearted. 

Read Sister Rosemary Wack, SNDdeN's memorial. 

Sister Rosemary Wack, SNDdeN, General Councillor, SNDdeN Generalate, visited Zimbabwe in 1964.