Sr. Marilyn Roman, OSB

Sister Marilyn Roman, OSB

Sister Marilyn (Mary Edward) Roman, OSB, was born in Atkinson, IL, daughter Edward and Florence VanDe Rostyne, and sister to brother Dale (deceased) and sister Barbara.  Marilyn was baptized at St. Anthony’s in Atkinson, attended grade school at St. Anthony’s and graduated high school from St. Mary’s Academy in 1955.  Her sister Barbara also graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in 1959.       

Sr. Marilyn received a bachelor’s degree from St. Ambrose College, Davenport, IA and a master’s degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL.  She entered the community on August 15, 1956 and made her perpetual profession on July 11, 1961.        

A longtime educator and administrator, Sr. Marilyn served at St. Joseph’s, Ivesdale, St. Roch’s, LaSalle, St. Mary’s, Wenona, Immaculate Conception, Monmouth and Sts. Peter and Paul School and Parish, Nauvoo, IL for 13 years.   She also taught at St. Thomas More in Munster, IN for 12 years.   Sr. Marilyn has served the community in administration, as procurator, and as archivist.     

Reflecting on her 65 years as a Benedictine Sister, Sr. Marilyn shared, “Community for me centers around daily prayer and living in the presence of the Lord. Each day at the monastery, we are working side by side, spending time together and being there for each other. Each of us brings ourselves and our unique personalities to community, so living closely together does have challenges. Although we may not agree on every issue, we choose to give and take, to be patient and to respect one another. We are all on the same journey to God.”

Sr. Marilyn enjoys reading, crocheting, working jigsaw puzzles, as well as spending time with her community, family, and friends.