Sr. Rosalia Dixon 1995
Was born March 3, 1896, to James and Anna Marie Kirgis Dixon and given the name Ida Mary. Ida entered the community of St. Walburg Monastery on January 7, 1929, and made her religious profession on August 30, 1930. Silver, golden, and diamond jubilees were celebrated in 1955, 1980, and 1990.
Most of Rosalia’s religious life was spent at the monastery serving her sisters in the daily routine. Many sisters retain memories of their years working in the laundry with her or, in the days before the serving table, their table-waiting experiences with Sr. Rosalia as head table waiter. She will be remembered for her great love of the outdoors and all the birds of God’s creation. Nobody knew the habits and habitats of the bluebirds on these premises as well as Sr. Rosalia. Covered from head to toe with protection from chiggers, she loved blackberry summer. In her older years she greatly enjoyed those short sightseeing trips with her good friend, Sr. Madeline.
When she suffered a debilitating stroke in April 1979, she was confined to a wheelchair with little mobility in her arms and legs. Sr. Rosalia could not longer search out those bluebirds’ nests or roam the hillsides, but she loved to ride outdoors, to look at pictures of birds, to drink a Coca-Cola, to find a spot in the patio and enjoy the heat of the sun. She was ever cheerful and uncomlaining.
In her one hundredth year, Sr. Rosalia had an abiding interest in everything that was going on, and although her words were not clear, the sparkle and slight chuckle were there until the end, which came peacefully on June 29, 1955, the Feast of Peter and Paul.
Sr. Rosalia was preceded in death by four sisters and two brothers. She is survived by her sister, Catherine Riley of Cincinnati, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Vigil Service, St. Walburg Monastery Chapel, Sunday, July 2, at 7;30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial, Monday, July 3 at 5 PM. Interment in St. Walburg Monastery Cemetery, Villa Hills, KY>