Sister M. Rosamund Jasinski [1933-2014]; Nun taught in schools, had knack for writing

Sister M. Rosamond Jasinski

Sister M. Rosamond Jasinski, a teacher and member of the Sylvanian Franciscan Order, died at Rosary Care Center on Friday. She was 81.

Janice Goodnough, her niece, said she she died of an aneurysm.

Sister Jasinski, a native Toledoan, was born on March 22, 1933, to Rose (Staskiewicz) and Wallace Jasinski. Inspired by her science teacher at Central Catholic High, Sister Jasinski entered the Sylvanian Franciscan Order to become a nun after her graduation in 1951.

She pursued her interests in history and education in college and received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in those fields at the University of Detroit. She later supplemented her studies in theology at Lourdes University in Sylvania.

She loved both learning and teaching, Ms. Goodnough said, and taught in high school classrooms across Ohio, Michigan, and Minnesota for 35 years. She also was a member of the Sylvania Historical Society and, as such, did research for a book on Sylvania.

Learned though she was, when she spoke, it was never to impress or brag about the depth of her knowledge, Sister Jean Francis Tutciauskas said. Her intent, rather, was to share what she knew for the benefit of others.

Sister Jasinski frequently used her talents for writing and communication on her community’s behalf. When she retired from teaching, she established the convent’s first development office, where she demonstrated an acumen for grant writing and regularly contributed articles to the convent’s newsletter.

Sister Maurice Wodarski said Sister Jasinski eagerly typed up news of events and convent proceedings for circulation around the neighborhood.

Sister Jasinski was an avid sports fan who particularly enjoyed football, Ms. Goodnough said. An avid supporter of Ohio State football and the Detroit Tigers, Sister Jasinski could sometimes be found by the television, cheering on her teams.

Most often, Sister Jasinski could be found helping others, Sister Wodarski said. She helped write grants for Women Blessing Women, a Catholic organization helping women in poverty, and kept her friends and family full with her contributions to the chili cook-off.

Sister Jasinski never forgot a birthday. Family members adding an extra candle to their cakes received an annual tuneful phone call from Sister Jasinski, who would sing “Happy Birthday” and wish them well.

She was not a musician, but she loved music. Ms. Goodnough, turning over the back of her annual birthday card, knew what she would find written in Sister Jasinski’s careful hand: “Keep a song in your heart.”

She is survived by nephews, a niece, and many grandnieces and grandnephews.

A welcoming and visitation for Sister Jasinski occurred Sunday at Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Francis in Sylvania. Her funeral, with arrangements by Thomas I. Wisniewski Funeral Home, was Monday.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis.

Contact Jennifer Gersten at: jgersten@theblade.com or 419-724-6050.