Sister M. Rosaria Shina, OSF

March 9, 1934 - july 11, 2026

Sister Rosaria (Josephine) Shina, a member of the School Sisters of St. Francis, United States Province, died on July 11, 2026, in Villa Clare at Monocacy Manor Convent in Bethlehem, Pa. She was 92 and in her 75th year of religious profession.

Sister entered the community from Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Northampton, Pa., in 1950 and professed first vows in 1951 at Mount Assisi Convent Chapel in Pittsburgh, Pa. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Mount Mercy College (now Carlow University) and a master’s degree in education from Seton Hall University.

Sister Rosaria taught in parish elementary schools in the Pennsylvania dioceses of Allentown, Pittsburgh, and Greensburg, as well as in the New Jersey dioceses of Paterson and Newark. She also taught for 17 years at our former St. Francis Academy in Bethlehem. Sister served her religious community as a general councilor, provincial vicar and, for two terms, as provincial minister of the Bethlehem Province. She was also involved in formation ministry and was part of the retreat team at St. Francis Center for Renewal.

In her later ministry years, Sister Rosaria served as the administrative assistant at St. Matthias Parish in the diocese of Metuchen, N.J. Upon returning to Monocacy Manor, she was engaged in community service there and, for the past four years, was a faithful participant in prayer ministry.

Sister Rosaria was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Anna Catherine (Budias) Shina, and her siblings: Joseph; Edward; Sister M. Sophie, MSC; and Sister Amata, OSF. She is survived by her religious community.

All services will be held at Monocacy Manor, 395 Bridle Path Road, Bethlehem, Pa. Visitation: Wednesday, July 15, from 6 to 8 p.m., and at 10 a,m, on Thursday, July 16. Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, July 16, at 11 a.m. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel. Arrangements have been made by Connell Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the School Sisters of St. Francis Retirement Fund, 4900 Perry Highway, Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15229. Donations also can be made online here.