Mother Rosemary Therese Quinn, 71 years old, returned to the Lord on December 16, 2017, surrounded by her Community in Houston, Minn. She suffered with cancer for many years. She was born on May 21, 1946, in Teaneck, N.J., to John and Anne (McBride) Quinn. She grew up in New Jersey and studied at St. John’s University, N.Y., earning a degree in psychology and theology. She also attended Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School and she worked at MCA Universal Studios and Waterford Iron Founders in Ireland. Called by God, she joined a Carmelite community in Amery, Wis., in 1982. This community was then relocated to the Diocese of Winona. In 1987 Mother Rosemary oversaw the building of the Hermitage in Houston, Minn., and she loved to tell stories of God’s miraculous interventions during the building phase. The community of the Hermits of St. Mary of Carmel was founded by Mother Rosemary in 1994 and was raised to an Institute of Diocesan Right in 2000. She was the Prioress for many years and held in her heart all the people who shared their lives with the community. Mother Rosemary is survived by her Carmelite Sisters and her immediate family: sisters, Ann Tisa and Moira Rice; her brother Sean Quinn; seven nieces and nephews, and 17 grandnieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Friday, December 22, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, with viewing from 3-5 p.m., a rosary at 4:30, followed by the funeral Mass at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers please send offerings to the Hermits of St. Mary of Carmel. Hoff Funeral Service is assisting with arrangements.