Sister Rose had a keen wit, a good sense of humor and a quick smile that lit up her face. She was a compassionate nurse and provided a listening ear and sound advice as a social worker. 

Sister Rose Ann Bianco, Sister Angela Miriam, was born June 20, 1925, in Manhattan, one of four children, two daughters and two sons of Lazzaro and Rosaire Rizzo Bianco. Rose attended PS 34 and Columbus High School, both in the Bronx. After graduation she worked for twelve years and then attended Saint Joseph’s Hospital School of Practical Nursing, Yonkers. She graduated in February 1956 and entered the Sisters of Charity of New York in September of that year. Sister Angela earned a BA in History from College of Mount Saint Vincent and an MSW in Social Work from Fordham University. Later she earned New York State Certification as a Social Worker.

Sister Rose spent thirty-four years in active ministry. For the first two years, she was assigned to Saint Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center in Manhattan and Saint Vincent’s Hospital, Westchester. She then began thirty-two years devoted to children in the fields of childcare and social work. Her first assignment was as a nursing supervisor at The New York Foundling, Manhattan. For the next five years, Sister Rose was assigned as a childcare worker and a case aide for the children at Saint Agatha Home, Nanuet. After receiving her degree in social work, Sister Rose served twenty years at the Rockland Children’s Psychiatric Center in Orangeburg. A memorable accomplishment of her work with the Center was her participation in a research project on the effects of therapy for children entering foster home care.

Sister Rose revealed her tender heart when she remarked while working in Orangeburg, “There is a great need to serve children who are suffering from emotional problems and who, due to economic status, receive this help in state agencies. There is a need for the presence of a religious in these facilities.”

In her retirement years, Sister Rose volunteered at Casa de Esperanza with the children while their mothers attended class. She also offered her services to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and other community social agencies. Sister Rose was in her nineties when she joined the retirement community at Mount Saint Vincent Convent and later moved to Cabrini of Westchester. She died March 8, 2024, in the 68^th year of commitment as a Sister of Charity of New York.

Sister Rose had a keen wit, a good sense of humor and a quick smile that lit up her face. She was a compassionate nurse and provided a listening ear and sound advice as a social worker.

Sister Rose, we rejoice with you now as you are welcomed into the kingdom by our loving God, your family, friends and the Sisters of Charity who have gone before you. Rest in the joy and peace of our tender God.