Remembering Sister Maria Rosa

A beloved member of the St. Anthony’s community for nearly 60 years

Sister Maria Rosa Querini, MPV, receives applause during a special Mass to celebrate her 90th birthday on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at St. Anthony’s Church in Schenectady. On Aug. 3 of this year, Sister Maria Rosa, a beloved member of the St. Anthony's community for nearly 60 years, died peacefully at Ellis Hospital. (Cindy Schultz photo for The Evangelist) (Courtesy photo of CINDY SCHULTZ)

In the fall of 1967, Sister Maria Rosa Querini, MPV, arrived in Schenectady at St. Anthony’s Church and School. 

Sister Maria Rosa — who was born in Udine, Italy, entered the Venerini Sisters convent at 17, and professed final vows in 1963 — immediately became an indispensable and beloved member of the St. Anthony community, teaching kindergarten, CCD and Italian, and was an administrator, pastoral associate as well as moderator of the Sacred Heart League.

One thing above all else, in any task she was handed, Sister Maria Rosa was always looking out for others at the parish. She visited the sick in the hospital or nursing homes, and anytime a parishioner died, she would bring over homemade soup to their family. For 59 years, she helped shape the lives of thousands of children and their families. Her lessons extended beyond the classroom, teaching faith, kindness, compassion, perseverance and the love of Christ by the example of her own life.

Inspired by Our Lord and Saint Rosa Venerini, Sister Maria Rosa made every act of service an act of love. Whether bringing the Eucharist to the homebound, rolling pepper cookies, making her famous guanti or signature marinara sauce, serving homemade cavatelli, or leading Saint Anthony’s beloved Festa — which she did right through this year’s edition in June — she gave herself completely to others. Much of her memorable work centered around the parish’s famous annual Festa. When she arrived all those years ago, the ladies of St. Anthony taught her the recipes that she continued to use through the years. 

Her hands never idled. Determined that no family would go without, she provided food baskets, pantry support and countless quiet acts of charity known only to those she helped and to God.

It would be hard to imagine St. Anthony’s without her, but on Aug. 3, she died peacefully at Ellis Hospital.

“My homily (was) about the song ‘It’s Impossible,’ ” said Father Richard Carlino, pastor of St. Anthony’s as well as St. John the Evangelist, in an interview with The Evangelist after her passing. “How do you capture this woman who has touched thousands upon thousands of lives over the years she’s been with us? Everywhere: church, school, daycare, hospital, nursing home. She’s a legend in Schenectady. Personally to me, she was like family.”

“Even the years that I wasn’t there (Father Carlino ministered at St. Anthony’s from 1989-1996 then returned 12 years later), I never broke contact with her in 37 years.”

Born on June 18, 1935, in San Giovanni al Natisone, Udine, Italy, she was the beloved daughter of Francesco and Caterina Forgirini Querini. She entered the Venerini Sisters in Rome in 1952, professed her first vows in 1957, and made her perpetual profession in 1963. Educated in early childhood education and as a pastoral associate, she taught in Italy, Rhode Island and Massachusetts before arriving in Schenectady in 1967.

She made her way quickly into the hearts of the parish as well. Father Carlino was only 37 when he first arrived at St. Anthony’s, and for years, Sister Maria Rosa translated all his homilies in Italian for Mass, which had a large Italian immigrant population at the time. 

“She’s a living saint. In my view, she’s a living saint,” Father Carlino told The Evangelist last year during a celebration for Sister Maria Rosa’s 90th birthday which was attended by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger. 

She was predeceased by her parents; her sisters, Angelica (Velio), Valentina (Emilio), and Alba (Giovanni); her brother, Felice (Barbara); her brother-in-law, Riccardo D’Osvualdo; and many Venerini sisters, associates and dear friends.

She is survived by her sister, Nodia; her brother, Saulo and his wife, Elvia, all of Osoppo, Italy; many nieces and nephews; her religious Venerini sisters and associates; The Pratico Family; and the countless friends and parishioners who lovingly knew her simply as “Sister.”

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Aug. 8 at Saint Anthony’s Church, followed by interment in Saint Anthony’s Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Venerini Retirement Fund, 374 Main St., Rutland, Mass., 01543.