Dolores Groth

Sr. Mary Rose Bernard Groth, SND

Few people can change a nation, but Sister Mary Rose Bernard could. Sister Mary Rose Bernard, born March 8, 1931, in Toledo to parents Fredrick and Clara Rose (Ostierrider) Groth, began her storied life that can be found in the history books of Papua New Guinea, whose culture she enhanced through her indefatigable spirit. On November 13, 2025, Sister died while a resident at Rosary Care Center in Sylvania, Ohio, still a missionary at heart as shown by her attention given to the residents. She was 94 years old and in her 75th year of religious profession as a Sister of Notre Dame.

Sister's biography begins in a family life with two brothers and two sisters attending St. Ann School. Further education took her to Notre Dame Academy and Mary Manse College. Her early years in ministry occurred in Toledo at St. James School, Sacred Heart School, Ladyfield School and St. Joseph School Maumee, as a teacher of younger students, and former St. Benedict School as principal and teacher.

In 1961 the first Sisters of Notre Dame sailed to Papua New Guinea (PNG), and Sister's missionary heart was stirred. She would arrive there just three years later. During her first 23 years in PNG sister was teacher and supervisor of St. Anselm Schol and St. Edward Primary School in Banz and Ambang, respectively. In 1973 she taught at the new Notre Dame High School in Kumdi. Soon she became the director of Maria Kwin Vocational Center in Banz where she organized and established a center for girls who were not eligible for high school.

Her ministry took a sharp turn in a different direction when she was touched by an article in May 1985 Time Magazine featuring an article about HIV/AIDS in Africa. She knew something had to be done to prevent the disease in PNG.

Although not a nurse, she went to Kudjip Nazarene Hospital for information. An excellent teacher, she made charts explaining the virus and conducted workshops to teach others how to teach about the disease. Soon these workshops were requested in other provinces. The first two cases of AIDS were discovered in the Western Highlands in Sister's own parish. A priest and Sister walked eight miles to visit the first victim. Sister ministered to the young man and learned how to accompany him. This was a great help in her future work that became her main ministry in 1990.

In the beginning only two people seemed interested in tackling the new problem: of AIDS-- a social worker and Sister. They met a lot of opposition. Sister proved to the doctors that the spread of AIDS was much bigger than anyone thought. When a person became infected, Sister was often called to give counsel to the family. Because of a lack of antiretroviral medicine, only treating symptoms could be done. Often doctors did not feel capable of telling patients they had AIDS and would call on Sister to deliver the news. She showed families how to love and support rather than reject.

As Sister wanted to go to outlying areas, the AusAID bought her a 4-wheel drive she christened Rocky. Known for her expertise, Sister became part of the very first AIDS Counseling Course in PNG sponsored by WHO.

She learned to take blood for testing, post-test counseling, and home care. She also trained others to be counselors. Once again, Sister broke down barriers and established Shalom Care Center where 4-6 individuals could live with her to let them know they were cared for and loved.

Sister brought together programs for orphans, caregivers, street-kids, drug addicts and those with special needs. Together they learned cooking, gardening, silk screening, and more to earn money. By 2007, even with all the AIDS awareness, attitudes and lifestyle did not change considerably. New approaches were needed. Another program began called "Community Conversation" which focuses on the underlying causes of HIV/AIDS.

In 2010 Sister was awarded the prestigious Logohu Medal given by the PNG Government, approved by the Queen, for her work in HIV/AIDS ministry. Yet the heartfelt love of the PNG people far outweighed any medal. They know Sister impacted the nation for years to come.

In 2011, Sister returned to the USA after 47 years in PNG. She resided in Norwalk, Ohio where she saw things that needed to be done and did them. As a pastoral volunteer, she visited the homebound and developed lasting friendships.

Preceding her in death were her parents, siblings Carl, Robert, and Sister Mary Robert Clare, SND. She is survived by her sister Mary Ann Eckert.

On Thursday, November 20 sisters and relatives will gather at the Sisters of Notre Dame Center, 5900 Davis Road, Whitehouse, Ohio. The celebration of her life will begin with sharing of memories at 3:45, and the eulogy will be read before the funeral Mass at 4:30. Arrangements are entrusted to the Urbanski Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, 5055 Secor Road, Toledo. Tributes may be made to the Sisters of Notre Dame at 1656 Henthorne Drive, Suite 2000, Maumee, OH 43537.