News and Events: Sister Robert Mary

Sister Robert Mary was one of our founding Sisters.  She joined Mother Ellen and the other sisters in order to  begin the Sisters of St. Joseph the Worker.  She was born as Catherine Benita Roberts on June 28, 1899 in Waverly, KY one of ten children born to Robert E. Lee Roberts and Annie Clements.  She attended St. Vincent Academy, St. Vincent, KY, and entered religious life on June 8, 1917.  Upon receiving the habit she was given the name Sr. Robert Mary. She spent the next 50 years teaching high school.  At times she held down three assignments simultaneous; Local Superior, Principal and high school teacher.  She became ' semi-retired' in 1971. 

Sister Robert Mary standing next to our Founder, Most Rev. Richard H. Ackerman.

During the turmoil following Vatican II, she joined with Mother Ellen and the other founding sisters. She was hesitant at first, because of the age of the sisters involved.  Many of the sisters were advanced in years.  Sister Robert Mary herself was 75 years old when Rome gave approval for the Sisters of St. Joseph the Worker  in 1975.   She was concerned that the sisters who were advanced in years and already retired would be unable to help earn a wage for the support of the community.   

Sister Robert Mary, Sister Alice Martha and Sister Mary Petronilla. 

However, her years with the Sisters of St. Joseph the Worker were busy ones as she helped the community in it's formative years where ever and whenever she could. She even took on the assignment of local superior once again at the sister's convent at All Saints Parish in Walton, KY.

She eventually retired to Taylor Manor Nursing Home in Versailles, KY. when her health began to decline.  She battled Dementia for many years before her death on May 22, 1993.  She was 93 years old.