In Memoriam

Sr. Rosaria (Maureen) Baxter
Class of '65

Sr. Mary Rosaria Baxter, a member of the Class of 1965, and former provincial leader of the Sisters of Good Shepherd Province of Mid-North America, died of kidney cancer July 23, 2009 at St. Vincent Care Center in Emmitsburg. She was 68.

She was born Maureen Baxter in New York City, and was raised there and in Phoenix, AZ, and Charlotte, NC, where she graduated from Charlotte Catholic High School.

In 1961, she entered the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in Baltimore, and professed vows in 1963.

Sr. Rosaria earned a B.A. degree in home economics education from SJC and a master's degree in counseling from Loyola University Maryland.

She worked for many years with young girls and women at facilities operated by her community in Baltimore, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania. Sr. Rosaria was administrator of the Good Shepherd Center, Baltimore, from 1990 to 2006.

In 2008, she became provincial leader of the Sisters of Good Shepherd Province of Mid-North America, but resigned from the position in May 2009 because of failing health.

"Sr. Rosaria was very outgoing, and she exuded care," remembered Sr. Mary Regina Long. "She was a great lady and very self-giving." Sr. Rosaria enjoyed gardening and cooking. "She also loved to swim, and every morning she faithfully did the Jane Fonda exercise workout," Sr. Regina said.

Surviving are her mother, Nora Baxter of Halethorpe, MD; a brother, Joseph Baxter of Charlotte, NC; and many nieces and nephews.

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