Sister M. Irene Rose Kmetz

 

Sister M. Irene Rose Kmetz, SS.C.M., 90, died Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, at Emmanuel Center in Danville.

She was born March 13, 1934, in Gary, Indiana, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hreha) Kmetz. Sister Irene Rose grew up in a large, close family of seven, her mother and father and five children. Sister often said that one great joy as a Sister included the wonderful family of Sisters in the Community with whom she lived each year.

She attended Holy Trinity School in Gary and graduated in 1951 from St. Cyril Academy in Danville, Pa. She entered the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius on Sept. 8, 1951, was received as a novice on Aug. 13, 1952, and professed vows on Aug. 9, 1954. Sister Irene Rose received a bachelor of arts degree in education from Marywood University in Scranton and a master’s in reading from Cardinal Stritch College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

When she celebrated her 65th anniversary as a Religious in 2019, Sister said, “I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, and as a student in Danville, I asked myself, “Why not be a Sister and teach for Christ?” I entered the SS.C.M. Community right after high school and here I am, 65 years later, doing the Lord’s work to spread His Kingdom.” Sister Irene Rose served in education for many years. She was both teacher and principal in the Diocese’ of Harrisburg and Greensburg, Pa., Gary, Ind., and Chicago, Illinois.

Sister also had a great love for serving the elderly, and did so for nearly 25 years at Villa Saint Cyril and St. Benedict Home, both in Illinois. In this capacity she served in many roles, including transportation coordinator, volunteer coordinator, and patient escort. When Sister Irene Rose was missioned to Maria Hall in Danville, she served in various capacities, most notably as coordinator of the Religious Articles Shop, which she managed with her sister, Sister Rosanne.

Funeral services and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, Dec. 31, at Maria Hall in Danville, beginning with the Rosary at 11 a.m., the Wake service at 11:15, and the Mass of Christian Burial at 1:30 p.m. followed by burial in the Sisters’ cemetery.