Sister Roseann Fernandez

Sister Roseann Fernandez was born in Newark, New Jersey on November 27, 1942.  She passed away on April 14, 2026 in Española, New Mexico.  Sr. Roseann devoted her life from the age of 11 to Jesus and the Catholic Church with the Religious Teachers Filippini in service to families and the education of children.  Her early years with the sisters were dedicated to the education of elementary and middle school children in New Jersey serving the Archdiocese of Newark, Diocese of Patterson, Diocese of Metuchen, and Diocese of Trenton.  She was a dedicated educator teaching many grade levels before becoming a school leader and serving as a much beloved principal.  For the past 17 yeaqrs, Sr. Roseann lived and served St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.  She was a wonderful 5th grade teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas School before serving the parish as the Director of Religious Education.  She touched the lives of thousands of families through her dedicated service in New Jersey and New Mexico.  Sr. Roseann's passing is a tremendous loss to the community.  Her service and life's mission was rooted in the beautiful charism of teaching our children to know and love Jesus.

Sr. Roseann is preceded in death by her father, Florenzo Fernandez, her mother Anna Commorata, her step-father Dominick DeVito, her brother, Frank Fernandez, and her brother Andrew Fernandez.  She leaves behind many loved cousins, nieces, and nephews.  She will be greatly missed by her many friends and her beloved Sisters with the Religious Teachers Filippini.  Sr. Roseann will be remembered for her joy, beautiful smile, and the genuine love and care that she spread to all those around her.

Recitation of the Rosary will begin 7:30 p.m., Sunday, April 19, 2026, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Rd. SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124.  Mass will be celebrated 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 20, 2026, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Rd. SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124.