Sister Rose Immaculate Waller, 93, teacher

Sister Rose Immaculate Waller, 93, a teacher, librarian, and nature photographer, died Tuesday, Oct. 21, of cardiopulmonary collapse at Assisi House, Aston.

She had been a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 71 years.

Born Winifred Waller in Media, she graduated from Notre Dame High School. Sister Rose earned a bachelor of science degree in education and a master's degree in library science, both from Villanova University. Her life's primary work was teaching and serving as librarian in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

She taught at St. Benedict School, Resurrection School in Chester, St. Alphonsus School, St. Bonaventure School, Our Lady of Consolation School, and St. Stanislaus School in Lansdale.

Sr. Rose served as a librarian at St. Stanislaus, Lansdale Catholic High School, and Neumann University in Aston.

After retiring in 1991 at age 70, she returned to her childhood interest in photography. One of her pictures shows a sleeping red fox, its coat dappled with sunlight.

"Her nature photos were absolutely beautiful. She often expressed the hope that through her photos she might draw people closer to God," said her colleague Sister Ann Marie Slavin.

Sister Rose entered her nature photos in art shows and received a number of awards. Her work is on permanent display at Neumann University, Our Lady of Angels Convent, St. Mary of the Lakes School in New Jersey, Assisi House, and Riddle Memorial Hospital.

Surviving are cousins.

A Christian wake service and viewing starting at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24, will be followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. in Assisi House, 610 Red Hill Rd., Aston. Burial will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Rd., Aston, Pa. 19014.