Sister Rose Andree Krieger, MM

Born: July 6, 1922
Entered: September 4, 1948
Died: June 20, 2025

As graciously and peacefully as she lived, Sister Rose Andree Krieger went home to God at 11:42 AM on June 20, 2025 in our Maryknoll Sisters Home Care. Many of her friends had been praying with Rose in her last few days and the aides who had lovingly cared for her were with her when she died. As she wisely wrote in 1989, “Free acceptance of one’s own dying is part of our Christian heritage, part of the coming of the Kingdom.” And she acted on her belief, accepting the diminishment of aging with grace. She was 102 years old and had been a Maryknoll Sister for 76 years when she died.

Agnes Mary Krieger was born on July 6, 1922 to John and Agnes Touzinsky Krieger—both were of Czech decent. Her older brother John and her younger sister, Mary Grace, to whom she was very close, have pre-deceased her. Agnes attended St. Mary Magdalen Elementary School, Xavier High School and Harris Teachers College, all in St. Louis, graduating with a bachelor degree in education in 1945. She taught for three years in the public-school system, and at that same time, she and her sister Mary Grace were involved with many and varied local church activities. Both of them avidly read THE FIELD AFAR, and both felt called to Maryknoll – they entered together on September 4, 1948. At reception on March 7, 1949, Agnes received the name Rose Andree, which she kept until her death. She pronounced her first vows on March 7, 1951 at Maryknoll, New York and her final vows on March 7, 1954 in Chile.

In 1951, Rose Andree began her long and loving relationship with the country and people of Chile. She began in Galvarino, the sisters’ first mission in Chile – she taught there for four years before moving to the new boys’ school in Temuco, where she also served as superior. A big change came in 1966 when Rose was assigned to Santiago to do catechetical and pastoral work – she loved it, and she was a natural. As she wrote, “It was thrilling to be able to bring about a change from the traditional type of children’s catechism classes to a truly family catechetics,” in which parents were trained and had a large role.

Throughout her life in ministry and community, Rose Andree, lovingly called Ma Rose by the sisters, was noted for her kindness and care for those with whom she lived in community. She overlooked the faults of others and even made up excuses for their mistakes. One story from when she was in Santiago involved a robber coming in through the window of her room at night. She slapped his hand and said – “eso no se hace” –this we do not do! He ran away. That was about as angry as Rose got!

In 1967, another dimension of mission opened up for Rose when she was named to the Archdiocesan Council of Religious. She formed close bonds with many Chilean religious as well as with other missionary groups. These religious, during the dictatorship of Pinochet, offered solidarity and moral support to families, many of whose members were killed, imprisoned or disappeared. It was an extremely painful time for the country.

After four years serving on promotion in the Kansas City area, Rose went to Salamanca, Chile in 1980 where she once again threw herself into pastoral work; she was deeply involved in the Cursillo movement there. She knew the young couples well and encouraged them to assume leadership in parishes throughout the town as a renewal of family life flowered.

In 1993, Rose discerned that it was time to return to the United States – she had bronchial issues which were exacerbated by the cold and smog in Chile, and her Associate Sister community member left the mission at the end of her contract. At that time, the Congregation planned to open a small community in Waterbury, Connecticut, and Rose decided to join it. With her skills in Spanish, Rose quickly found a ministry in two local Hispanic parishes – catechetical work, home visiting and preparation for confirmation filled her days. This described “retirement” for Rose.

In 2002, Rose returned to Maryknoll and was assigned to the Center – Main House, which is now called the Chi Rho Community. She helped throughout the house, visiting with sisters, leading prayer services and serving as a Eucharistic minister. When she needed more assistance, she asked to transfer to the Eden Community in February 2012. One great blessing in these years was the accompaniment of Rose’s Andree’s sister, Mary Grace, who was also living at the Center until she died in July 2024. As a final generous act in her life of service and love, Rose left her body to science.

We welcome this morning Maryknoll Father Mike Walsh, who will preside at today’s celebration of life for Sr. Rose Andree Krieger.