Sr. Rose Celeste O’Connell, OP, died May 17 at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian. She was 79 and in her 62nd year in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sr. O’Connell was born Mary Ann O’Connell in Chicago to Thomas and Edna (Dion) O’Connell. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Barry College (University) in Miami, Fla. Sister held certifications in guidance and counseling, substance abuse ministry, and clinical pastoral education and was a certified associate addictions professional.

Sr. O’Connell ministered in education for 28 years in Michigan, Florida, Georgia and Alabama. In Michigan, she taught briefly at St. Jude, Detroit (1956-60), and later served as congregation secretary for the Adrian Dominicans (1990-2016), and as director of the Office of Information (2016-18). For many years, Sr. O’Connell organized and facilitated serenity retreats at Weber Center and was an active member of the Dominican Sisters Conference and Dominican Leadership Conference.

A funeral Mass was offered in St. Catherine Chapel in Adrian on May 21. The Rite of Committal was to take place in the Congregation cemetery.