Rose Ann Mersinger

Monday, November 7, 2011

4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

and Tuesday, November 8, 2011

8:00 to 9:30 a.m.

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Mass of Christian Burial

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

10:00 a.m.

St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL

Rose Ann Mersinger (nee Beebe), 68, of Highland, IL, passed from this life Saturday, November 5, 2011, at Faith Care Center, Highland, IL, six years after being diagnosed with Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsy- a degenerative brain disease of which there is no known cure.

Rose was born March 7, 1943 to Wayne and Anna (nee Aimone) Beebe in Joliet, IL.    On May 2, 1964 she married Will Mersinger at St. Mary Magdalane Catholic Church, Joliet, IL.

Rose retired at the age of 63 from the Catholic Diocese of Springfield, IL where she held the position of Director of the office for Catholic Education for 14 years. She served in several leadership and chairmanship positions during her tenure. Prior to her employment with the Catholic Diocese, Rose was a 6th grade teacher for 4 years before becoming the first Lay Principal and longest running Principal at St. Paul Elementary and Jr. High School in Highland, IL., where she served as Principal for 14 years. She also served as Lector and as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at St. Paul Parish in Highland, IL. and Holy Family Parish in Litchfield, IL., where she also served on the Pastoral Council.

Rose was devoted to Catholic Education and the Catholic Church. Her care and concern for children was felt by all whom she taught. She was one of the founding members and served on the Board of Missions International. She visited and helped establish the St. Paul Mission Parish in Haiti.  While at St. Paul, she initiated the first student trip to visit the Space Center in Huntsville, Alabama; a tradition that continues today.  In February, 2009, Rose was awarded the Pauline Award in recognition of the outstanding service and support she provided to St. Paul School.

Rose graduated Providence Catholic High School, Joliet, IL, then earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education and Administration, as well as, her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, IL.

Rose, loving Wife, Mother and Grandmother loved and cherished her family dearly and enjoyed spending time with them and passing along many traditions and values.

In addition to her family, religion, education and being a devoted teacher, Rose enjoyed many things.  She was an avid reader, enjoyed singing, playing the piano, playing the guitar, cooking, dancing, snow-skiing, laughter and sharing her life with many good friends. Rose will be sincerely missed but her spirit will live on through all whom she has touched.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Anna Beebe of Joliet, IL., and her Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Urban and Francis Mersinger of Highland, IL.

Surviving are her husband, Will B. Mersinger, after 47 years of marriage; two daughters, Jodi Mersinger (Petersen) of Winfield, IL and Cyndi (Jim) Hunter of Austin, TX; two grandchildren, Ashley Petersen and Brooke Petersen; sister Micki (Tony) Liker of Phoenix, AZ, brother Mike Beebe of  Joliet, Ill., and sister Mary Kay (Marco) Molgado  of Coal City, IL.; sisters-in-law, Catherine Holtgrave of St. Rose, IL., Shirley (Ron) Massey of Highland, IL., Mary Jane (Leonard) Landman of Highland, IL., Rose (Allan) Strieker of  St. Rose IL, Carol (Dave) Rakers of Highland, IL., who are greatly appreciated for the time they spent caring for Rose over the past few years; many special nieces and nephews and especially many dear friends.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul Education Foundation.

Visitation: Monday, November 7, 2011 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, November 8, 2011 from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL

Clergy: Rev. Charles A. Edwards, Pastor

Interment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Highland, IL

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL