Nationality:  Irish
Congregational Register No.  320
D.O.B.:  07.10.1923
First Profession 09.09.1960
Died: 19.06.2010      Aged:   86 years.

Rosaleen Mary Levins came from of a large, religious, north Dublin family. Two of her brothers were later ordained.  Rosaleen Mary grew up to be a strong, determined, independent-minded girl.  As just a young woman she joined the Belfast Fire Brigade during WWII to do her bit to save lives during the heavy bombing of that city.  Before entering MMM at the age of 28, she was working as a bookkeeper in a bakery in north Dublin.

The congregation quickly recognised that Sr. Rosaleen had a talent for figures and finance and almost from day one this facility was put to good use. She looked after the finances in various departments in and around the Motherhouse and Waterford.  Over the years she increased her skills base, doing social and economic studies, obtaining commercial, shorthand and typing certificates, and finally becoming a certified accountant and hospital administrator.

Sr. Rosaleen was missioned to Nigeria (Anua) in 1962 and was the hospital secretary and local bursar.  She was known as a disciplined, conscientious worker with an excellent memory.  Sr. Rosaleen stayed in Anua for the next twelve years before being called home to Ireland to take up the position of financial controller in the IMTH.  It saddened her to leave Nigeria and it was a source of regret for her that she never returned.

Sr. Rosaleen worked at the International Missionary Training Hospital from 1974 to 1990, also filling a position as part-time teacher in accounts and purchasing at the College of Commerce, Rathmines. From 1981 to 1995 she was the part-time financial director of Waterford Maternity Hospital, Airmount. From 1990 to 2002  she was deputy CEO/manager to the Order of Malta Enterprises.  She was a woman of great ability and energy and approached all her many positions with zeal.

After official retirement, Rosaleen did not rest, but involved herself in many activities in and around the Motherhouse and Drogheda. She served as community leader, proving to be industrious, helpful and kindly, and was a member of the Gardening Club, the Old Drogheda Society, Millmount Museum, the Drogheda Tourist Office and the Highlanes Gallery.  These years were happy and fulfilling ones for her. She was even asked to be the grand marshal in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1998, an honour which she accepted with gusto!

Her illness came as a shock to her.  The treatment was wearing and the loss of energy and independence was difficult for her, but she said her rosary continuously –  quietly accepting what was.  She spent her last months in Áras Mhuire, where much love and care was showered on her. She was thrilled when her brother, Fr. Des, arrived from New Zealand to be with during her last week of life.  Rosaleen died peacefully on 19 June 2010.