In Memory of Sr. Emma Rohn, DW, 98, 78 Years Professed

Friends of Wisdom, we are saddened to share the news of the passing of Sr. Emma Cecelia Rohn, 98, (Sr. Francis Mary) on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Convent in Sound Beach, NY, where she was in hospice care. Surrounded by her loving community and dedicated staff, she was escorted into the arms of the Lord while the songs "Gentle Woman" and "Peace Is Flowing Like a River" were sung.

Sr. Emma was born in Brooklyn, NY, to Emma (Gallagher) and George Rohn on June 28, 1927, joining her older brothers Frank, Jr., and Edward J., completing a family of five.

She lived in Woodhaven, NY, and attended St. Thomas the Apostle Elementary School. After graduating in 1945 from Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School in Brooklyn, NY, she entered the Daughters of Wisdom in Ottawa, Canada. Following first profession in 1947, Sr. Emma had several teaching assignments: St Mary Gate of Heaven School, Bishop McDonnell High School, and Our Lady of Wisdom Academy. During this time, she received a B.A. in History and an M.A. in American History from St. John's University.  In September 1962, Sr. Emma was a founding member of Christ the King High School, then a new Diocesan High School, in Middle Village, Queens, NY. Assigned to the Girls' Division, she taught Social Studies and organized the Social Studies Department. Sr. Emma served as the first moderator of the John XXIII National Honor Society. In 1968, she began work in the library while pursuing a Master of Library Science at St. John's University. Ultimately, Sister achieved certification as a teacher, media specialist, and public librarian in New York State. From 1969 to 1972, she was the Department Chairperson of the Library. In 1972, Sr. Emma began a ministry at Queens Borough Public Library (Woodhaven) for three years and later at Queens Borough Public Library in Jamaica, NY, until 1983. Sister served at Our Lady of Grace Parish in Howard Beach as a social outreach coordinator for two years before taking a position at Dominican Commercial High School as a Librarian from 1985 to 1997.

In 1997, Sr. Emma returned to Christ the King High School and served as the supervisor of the resource room and part-time librarian. During this time, she assisted with the Middle States Accreditation process. After her retirement, Sr. Emma continued to volunteer in the library.  In 2007, Sr. Emma was inducted into Christ the King Hall of Fame for her service as a faculty member and community presence. Sr. Emma was a facilitator for Rachel's Helpers and served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and leader of the 1st Friday Prayer Apostolate at Resurrection Ascension Church in Rego Park, NY.

When asked what inspired her to become a Daughter of Wisdom, Sr. Emma shared, "During my teenage years, attending Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School in Brooklyn, NY, I felt called to attend daily Mass before starting my day of travel and classes. Attending Mass and receiving Communion gave me a feeling of peace and strength that God was with me, helping and protecting me. Five religious orders taught at Bishop McDonnell; one of them was the Daughters of Wisdom.  I felt drawn to them by their simplicity and kindness. I consecrated myself to Mary according to the spirituality of St. Louis Marie de Montfort on December 8th, 1944 and entered the Congregation of the Daughters of Wisdom July, 1945."

Predeceased by her parents Emma and George, brother Frank and his wife Josephine, brother Edward and his wife, Elizabeth, she is survived by her nieces, Elizabeth Rohn Jeffe, Margaret Lazlo, and Jeannette Showalter-Stick. Along with her family and friends, Sister will be deeply missed by the Daughters of Wisdom, especially by her community and staff at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Convent.

Wake, Funeral, and Burial Services for Sr. Emma are as follows: Wake: Moloney’s Family Funeral Home on Route 112 in Port Jefferson Station, NY. Monday, October 27, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Funeral Mass: St. Louis de Montfort Church in Sound Beach, NY Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Burial at Holy Sepulchre in Coram following the Mass.
Click here to make a donation in Sr. Emma's memory.