Centenarian Maryknoll sister goes to eternal rest

HONG KONG (SE): Maryknoll Sister Marie Corinne Rost died on September 1, 2019 at the Maryknoll Sisters Centre in Maryknoll,  New York, the United States of America. She was 102-years-old and had been in the religious life for 82 years.

Born on 29 July 1917 she graduated from St. Peter’s High School in 1935  and attended Mt. St. Scholastica College in Atchinson, Kansas, for two years before entering Maryknoll in 1937.  It was during this time, that she discovered her talent and love for music.

At her reception, she received the name Marie Corinne. She made her first vows on 6 January 1940 at the Maryknoll Motherhouse and her final vows on 6 January 1943 at San Juan Bautista, California, where she had her first assignment as the choir director.  She later moved to Los Angeles where she worked in a home for oriental children.  

She received a Bachelor’s degree in music with a minor in piano from Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart, New York in 1942.  Her joy and knowledge of music would be part of every mission assignment. During World War II she also taught release-time religion classes.

Sister Rost was assigned to Hong Kong in 1946 and taught religion, music and gave piano lessons at Maryknoll Convent School. She also created an orchestra notebook with pictures and explanations of every instrument. Some of the former students still have the notebook. 

Her appreciation of and ability in music was passed on to many students. 

Upon learning of her death one of her former students wrote, “I am saddened with the news of Sister Corinne’s passing and know she is in God’s hands.  She taught me music appreciation and voice and to sing God’s praises!” 

In 1953, she became principal and supervisor of one session of the Maryknoll Convent Primary School and supervisor of the afternoon session until she reached the age of 60.  She then taught release-time religion as director of volunteers at St. Joseph’s parish.

In 1983, she returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Centre, in New York, and worked in the Research and Planning Department. She officially retired to the Maryknoll Sisters Retirement Home in Monrovia, California, in 1996.  

In 2008 Sister Rost returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Centre, where she became a member of the Maryknoll Residential Care Unit. Ever the missionary, she chose the Sudan as her prayer ministry.

May she rest in peace.