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Sister Rose Fatima (Vivian) Leite, O.S.F., 87, a Sister of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities for 67 years, went home to God at St. Francis Convent, on January 16, after a lengthy illness. She was born in Pepeekeo, Hawaii, the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Munoz Leite A graduate of Hilo High School. Sister soon became the cafeteria manager at St. Joseph School where she came to know the Franciscan sisters and discovered her religious vocation. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1951 and made her perpetual vows in 1957. She earned a Bachelor’s degree at Chaminade College of Honolulu and a Master’s degree from the University of San Francisco. Sister Rose Fatima taught briefly in Riverside, NJ and Syracuse, NY and then for 50 years as a primary teacher at St. Joseph Elementary School, Hilo. Her active ministry concluded in the Spiritual Care department and gift shop at St. Francis Medical Center. Sister’s gracious and prayerful manner and vivacious smile lasted a lifetime. As a teacher, her learning centers paved the way for individualized computer instruction, and she prepared children for their First Communion for years. A superb cook and baker, she daily prepared dinner for 20 plus sisters and prepared a sumptuous buffet for many holiday parties and jubilees. Sister was predeceased by her parents and brother, Henry. She is survived by a sister, Mildred Barge (Riverside, California), a brother, Douglas (Mary Ann) (Hilo), and a sister-in-in law, Soon Yea (Aiea), (grand) nieces and nephews, and the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. Funeral services will be held in Manoa at St. Francis Convent, 2715 Pamoa Road, Honolulu HI 96822 on Saturday, February 23: Visitation 9:00 AM, Eulogies 10:15 AM, Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM followed by luncheon, and Interment at Diamond Head Memorial Park 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis at the above address. Arrangements Provided By: Diamond Head Mortuary |
