Sister Mary Rosaria Hagel, 97, died on February 24, 2021, at St. Francis Convent, Little Falls, Minn.
Rita Armella Hagel was born October 12, 1923, in Rogers, Minn., the fifth of 11 children of the late John and Catherine (Dahlheimer) Hagel. The Hagels had a farm near Rogers where they raised their 11 children. Rita Armella was blessed with two older brothers and two older sisters along with six younger brothers, of whom there were two sets of twin boys. She loved being outside with her brothers, especially playing ball with them. Growing up in a large family, Rita Armella learned many domestic skills from her mother, which she utilized in her varied ministries. Catherine could tat, knit, quilt and sew. She sewed most of the family’s clothes and had a large garden. Longevity was a family characteristic and Catherine lived to be 114 years old.
Rita Armella attended a one-room school, District 73, in Hennepin County. Reading was her favorite subject and it became her special pastime for the rest of her life. Shortly after her graduation, the youngest twin boys were born. Rita Armella opted to stay at home for three years to help with the family. At the age of 18, she enrolled in Elk River high school for three years. Following that, she worked in a defense plant in Minneapolis. At the age of 21 she came to St. Francis High School and graduated in 1945.
As a high school student in Elk River, Rita Armella met her first Franciscan Sisters. The sisters taught religion during release time from the public school. She was so impressed with Sister Elaine Sursley’s kindness and gentle spirit. Following a Christmas retreat experience when Rita Armella was a senior, she made the decision to become a Franciscan Sister. Upon entering the novitiate she received the name Sister Mary Rosaria. She made her final vows in 1950. She was a Franciscan Sister for 75 years.
Her many ministries have included being a “cottage mother” at the St. Cloud Children’s Home, a baker and a housekeeper. For nearly all of her religious life she did domestic work or held hospitality responsibilities. She particularly enjoyed her years in Duluth, serving at the bishop’s residence, where the guests included many interesting people whom Sister Rosaria graciously served. A great love for people and a remarkable memory for the details of their lives were among her special gifts. This gift extended well into her later years, as she continued to have a keen interest in many subjects and avidly read the daily paper. Sister Rosaria was the praying sister for the Volunteer Department and shared a beautiful “thank you” to them at one of the annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinners. She enjoyed playing cards and various board games with her sisters and family.
Over the years, Sister Rosaria’s love for the outdoors did not dwindle. When her health permitted, she liked to walk, bike and garden. She found that the times she spent in the garden were wonderful times to pray and meditate. She continued to be helpful in small ways when there was something that needed to be done.
Sister Rosaria was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Lawrence, Wilmer, Alvin and Harvey; and sister Cecilia Gulczinski. Survivors include siblings: Rosanna Toth, Bel Air, Md.; Ivan (Mary) Minneapolis; Henry, Minneapolis; Hillird, Brooklyn Center; and Howard (Diane), Buffalo; sister-in-law Louise, Mt. Airy, Md.; nieces and nephews and her Franciscan Community.
A private burial was held for Sister Rosaria on Friday, February 26, 2021. A Memorial Mass was celebrated on December 1, 2021.
