St. Mary of the Woods, IN - ST. MARY-OF-THE-WOODS [mdash] Sister Rosemary Rafter, age 93, died on Dec. 1, 2025, in Providence Health Care. She was born on May 1, 1932 in Bloomington, IL to John and Clara Schleicher Rafter. The family moved to Terre Haute where Rosemary attended St. Patrick elementary school and high school.

Sister Rosemary entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence on Feb. 2, 1951 and was given the name sister Rose Clare. She professed Perpetual Vows August 15, 1958. She earned a bachelor's degree from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College and master's degrees from Indiana State University in Education and George Williams College of Aurora University in Counseling Psychology.

Of her 75 years as a Sister of Providence, she ministered in education for 22 years in schools in Indiana, Illinois and New Hampshire. In 1952, her education ministry was interrupted when she was asked by the Congregation to be part of the Corporate Renewal Team. Two years later she was elected provincial of the motherhouse province. Having completed this term, she served as director of student services at Mother Theodore Guerin High School in River Grove, IL. Sister Rosemary then moved from education to parish work, serving as a pastoral associate in Downers Grove, IL for 26 years.

Formally retiring, she remained in the western suburbs where she served as a hospice volunteer. She returned to the Motherhouse in 2022. Sister Rosemary shared her kind, listening heart with so many people at St. Joseph Parish in Downers Grove. Of late she warmed the hearts of those in need of a kind word and a path forward. Her radiant smile and welcoming personality will certainly be missed.

Sister Rosemary is survived by two sisters, Joan Whitehouse and Sue Rafter, both of Terre Haute; and one brother, Eugene Rafter of Lady Lake, FL. She is preceded in death by four brothers, Thomas, Gerald, Robert, and John Rafter.

The wake is on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. in the Church of the Immaculate Conception with the wake service at 4:30 p.m. The wake continues on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. with the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., Reverend Terry Johnson presiding. Burial is in the cemetery of the Sisters of Providence. DeBaun Funeral Homes and Crematory assisted with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of Providence, 1 Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876.