Rosemary O'Neil, Sacred Heart alumna of Sheridan Road, class of 1942 and Maryville University, class of 1946, passed away peacefully at her home in Evanston, IL on April 14, 2020. The video is a collage of photos taken at various Sacred Heart events culminating in 2013 when Rosemary was the recipient of the AASH Cor Unum Award and a week later attended the Alumnae Reunion at Sheridan Road.
The Cor Unum Award was established to pay tribute to alumnae and alumni who have embraced the philosophy of the Sacred Heart in their everyday lives. The meaning of Cor Unum is “one heart”, taken from the motto of the Society of the Sacred Heart: "One heart and One mind.”
Some recipients are well known and their achievements monumental. Others have lived quieter lives devoted to dedication and service. All are among those whom St. Madeleine Sophie and St. Philippine Duchesne would proudly claim as true Children of the Sacred Heart.
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Jane Cannon and Rosemary O'Neil
Omaha ~ April 13, 2013
From the 2013 Winter issue of Esprit de Coeur:
In the tradition of Sacred Heart alums, Rosemary O'Neil has devoted much of her life to service and volunteerism on behalf of both religious and other Sacred Heart alumnae, as well as community and cultural organizations in the Chicago area. Following graduation from Maryville, Rosemary was Assistant Registrar for the School of Speech at Northwestern University, later becoming administrative assisant at a brokerage firm. She "retired" in 1964 when her employer retired, and began devoting herself to the full-time role of volunteer.
Active in AASH, Rosemary attended her first Biennial Conference in 1951 at Cincinnati, and since has attended several more. She promoted the 1986 AMASC Conference in Japan, which she attended.
Rosemary has served on a number of Boards including Madonna Center - a Chicago mission serving Italian immigrants; Christ Child Society; Chicago-Lake Forest Alumnae Association; Maryville College Alumnae Association. She was honored by Maryville with the Alumnae Loyalty Award.
Rosemary received the Sheridan Road - Catherine Seiker, RSCJ Award afer she was "drafted" by Sr. Seiker to refurbish old school photo albums and help identify alums in the photographs. She also produced the 50th Anniversary of Sheridan Road - a celebration that included a Mass and reception on the Feast Day of St. Madeleine Sophie
Whether it was serving as assistant editor of the AASH Newsletter or volunteering at an inner-city settlement house, Rosemary O'Neil exemplifies the qualities that have earned her a 2013 Cor Unum Award.
Rosemary's dear friend, Jeanne Burke O'Fallon presented her Cor Unum Award as follows:
Cor Unum Award
Associated Alumnae and Alumni of the Sacred Heart
Rosemary O’Neil
At four of the last five AASH conferences we have honored a Rosemary. With Shakespeare we ask, “What’s in a name?” And it is Shakespeare, in a very different context, who answers: “Rosemary -- that’s for remembrance. Pray, love, remember.” These words summarize the glorious life of Rosemary O’Neil, who prays fervently, loves deeply, and always remembers.
Perhaps we can gloss over the skill and dedication Rosemary brought to her distinguished career as an executive secretary as well as her tireless service to the Madonna Center for Italian immigrants and the Christ Child Society in Chicago. That allows focus on her long life as a True Child of the Sacred Heart.
Lovingly welcomed by Mother Agnes Regan in 1938 to a wonderful world at Sheridan Road, and expanding her horizons and sealing solid her character in cherished years at Maryville College, Rosemary has given back in loyal remembrance ever since. She organized archival photos, chaired an anniversary celebration, and helped reopen a chapel at Sheridan Road. At Maryville she was instrumental in raising $100,000 to endow a scholarship in memory of Mother Marie Odéïde Mouton.
We should thank her beloved Mother Mouton for nurturing Rosemary’s trademark way of being thoughtfully forthright. When she worried her candid remarks could seem uncharitable for a Child of Mary, Mother Mouton reassured her: “Rosie dear, you are more sophisticated than some.”
This sophistication, or frankness, makes Rosemary a valued advisor and is a joy in broad friendships, often formed at these very conferences, since 1951, and strengthened by her apostolate of the telephone. Her comments send one to the dictionary or a notebook, or into mirthful laughter. She amuses rather than irritates those whose views might not be hers as, for example, she refers to the city she has loved and served all her life as “The People’s Republic of Evanston.” The renowned architect of the area is always referenced as Frank Lloyd Wrong.
One scene might capture Rosemary’s life of loving, generous remembrance. During the 2005 Chicago conference, she gathered thirteen alumnae friends for dinner. Toward the end of a beautiful evening she went ‘round the table and, without a note or a flaw, paid glowing tribute to each guest. Her words were so enchanting that she had us all wondering if such a profusion of virtue had ever before been assembled.
Our humble honoree tried to decline this award, saying that others have done great things while she has just done things “person to person, one to one.” Yes, Rosemary, as you have prayed, loved, and remembered, your life has been one to one, one heart to one heart.
One heart – Cor Unum. You have lived Cor Unum and sursuum corda – lifting up our hearts and leading us all to the Heart of God.
Jeanne Burke O’Fallon
Omaha, April 13, 2013
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| Rosemary and Jeanne Burke O'Fallon |
It was in 2005 as we planned to host the AASH Biennial Conference in Chicago, when I called Rosemary and asked if she would consider hosting a home dinner, that I became aware of the many Sacred Heart alums that she held near and dear. Rosemary didn't hesitate to offer to host a dinner as long as it was on her terms. Instead of actually hosting at her home, Rosemary told me she would provide me a list of guests to be invited to The Casino Club, which happened to be the most exclusive club in the city and within walking distance of the Drake Hotel where the out-of-town attendees would be staying. The photo below shows the merry group surrounding their gracious hostess on the evening of April 21, 2005.
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Pictured: Barb Lopiccolo, Rosemary, Sue Schumann and Standing L-R: Airlie Ogilvie,
Louise Dunn, Jeanne O’Fallon, Kiki Rothing, Patricia Kolojeski, Nancy Agnew,
Frances Asam, Olga Rome, Rosemary Gidionsen, Patsy Sheehan, Joan Downey
The last time most of Rosemary's out of town friends saw her was in Omaha as we bid each other farewell on Sunday, April 14, 2013 when the 39th AASH Biennial conference concluded with Mass and everyone headed home. How ironic that seven years later on April 14th, would be the date that Rosemary would join her brother Bill and parents. Rosemary may you rest in eternal peace. You are home at last!
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