Sister Doctor Maria Rosalita Roberts, DHM, hailed from Rivercess in Roivercess County. She was the daughter of Mr. Gallow Roberts and Ms. Rachel Thomas both of Rivercess. While studying at the St. Theresa Convent School, she converted from Methodism to Catholicism and by the grace of God she answered the call to Religious Life, thereby showing to other Liberian girls, that if they listen closely, they too, can hear His voice calling them to a privileged, yet undeserving intimacy with God.
Sister Dr. Maria Rosalita Roberts became a Bernardine Franciscan Sister in 1959 and remained in that Order until 1995 when she transferred to another Order of Nuns, the Society of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary, a Congregation of Sisters serving God’s people on five continents.
Under the Tolbert Government, Sister Dr. Maria Rosalita Roberts received grants to earn a Master’s degree at St. Seton Hall University and a doctorate degree from Fordam University, both institutions in the United States of America. Sister then served in the Ministry of Education from 1997-1990, firstly, as the Assistant Minister of Curriculum Development and Student Personnel Services and later as Deputy Minister for Instruction.
Her teaching skills were exemplified in St. Josaphat School, Manayunk, PA, Our Lady of Fatima High School, Cape Palmas and at Cathedral Catholic School, Monrovia.
Sister’s last days were spent at the St. Joseph Villa, the Retirement Home of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, Reading, PA, USA. She is also interred In the Bernardine Cemetery in Reading, PA where Sister Carolyn Muus lies buried. Sister Doctor Maria Rosalita was born on March 24, 1936 and died on June 5, 2025.
Mourning her loss are the Society of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary, the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, her sister Rose Roberts Zoega, her nephew Dr. Charles Ujay Gbadouway who was totally devoted to the welfare of his dear aunt, nieces, nephews and a host of relatives both in Liberia and in the United States. The Holy Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m on Sunday June 29, 2025 In the Sacred Herat Cathedral, Broad Street for the happy repose of her soul.
All are respectfully invited to the celebration of the Mass.
