Sr. Anne Rothmeier

Born:                          Rita Anne Rothmeier, February 1, 1928, in Buffalo, NY

Died:                           July 18, 2023 at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY

Daughter of:              Albert and Anna Marie McMullen Rothmeier, Buffalo, NY

Sr. Anne Rothmeier entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on September 8, 1952, was received into the Congregation on August 15, 1953, and professed her final vows on August 16, 1960.  Committed to the Franciscan charism, Sister lived for 70 years as a devoted member of the Allegany Franciscan Sisters sharing her life in community and ministry.

She attended public elementary school, graduating from Mt. St. Joseph Academy in Buffalo, NY.  Anne attended the Millard Filmore School of Nursing, Buffalo, NY, where she earned her certification as a registered nurse. Upon entering the Congregation, Sr. Anne ministered in Congregational Hospitals – St. Francis Hospital, Olean, NY, St. Clare and St. Anthony Hospitals in New York, NY.

A lifelong learner, Sr. Anne continued her education by attending Canisius College, Buffalo, NY; State University of New York, Buffalo, NY; St. Bonaventure University, Allegany, NY; St. John’s University, Queens, NY and New York University, New York, NY, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, followed by her Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.

Her commitment to mutuality and standing with the poor and marginalized was realized through her 47 years in the nursing profession.  In 1974, Sr. Anne participated in a “Study of the Health Care Resources available to the Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker and Rural Poor” in Delaware.  She worked at a Farm Labor Clinic for Migrant Workers in Pine Island, NY and the Delmarva Migrant Health Project in Delaware.  Sr. Anne completed her nursing career in home health, offering care to patients in the comfort of their own home. 

In 1999, Sr. Anne was a founding member of a “community supported agriculture endeavor”, which in 2002 became a ministry of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany known as Canticle Farm.  Anne served as Director of Canticle Farm from 2001-2002.  Her great appreciation for nature was apropos as she enjoyed her time at the farm, riding the tractor or tending to the crops and weekend trips to Mt. Irenaeus for mass, a meal and the company of friends.

She is predeceased by her parents, Albert and Anna Marie McMullen Rothmeier and a sister, Jean Marie Rothmeier Burke.  She is survived by a nephew: Tony Burke and a grandniece, Sarah Burke of Bridgeport, CT; special family members: Tom (Meghan) Burke; their daughters Lara and Augusta Burke and Tom’s brothers: Tim, Pat and Mike.

A wake service is scheduled for Thursday, July 27^th at 4:00PM in the chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00AM on Friday, July 28, 2023 in the chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, with Fr. Dan Riley, OFM, presiding.  Burial will follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. 646 East State Street, Olean, New York.  For condolences, please visit www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.