Sr. Rose Anne Hanlon 1940-2026

Originally from Canton, she graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1958 and entered the Sisters of the Humility of Mary in 1962 from St. Paul Parish, Canton. She professed her perpetual vows in 1970.

With a smile that could light up a room, Sister Rose Anne was a gentle and gracious woman who loved serving others and enjoyed the quiet moments in life.

She served as an educator and guidance counselor for 29 years in the Cleveland, Youngstown and Pittsburgh dioceses at Lourdes Academy, Canton Central Catholic High School, Villa Maria High School and Ursuline High School. She had a talent for remembering names and connecting with people, which she put to good use in her work with her students and later in her role as associate director of the Youngstown Diocesan Office of Church Vocations.

Sister Rose Anne was part of the team that began Villa Maria Retreat Center, which later became Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center. She enjoyed offering hospitality to the many groups that attended retreats and sharing the warmth of the Villa with them.

She later served as director of the library and as a transportation volunteer at Villa Maria Community Center, accompanying her sisters with kindness and a quiet sense of humor.

Sister Rose Anne served in the HM Prayer Ministry and Ministry of Faith-filled Presence at Villa Maria Community Center until her death.

The daughter of the late James and Margaret Ball Hanlon, and sister of the late Susan Hanlon, she is survived by cousins and their families, and her sisters in the Humility of Mary Congregation, with whom she shared her life for 64 years.

The funeral is at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at Villa Maria Chapel, Villa Maria, Pa., with a Rite of Return and viewing at Villa Maria Chapel beginning at 9:50 a.m., prior to the funeral Mass. The funeral will be livestreamed.

A Prayer of Remembrance celebrating the life of Sister Rose Anne Hanlon is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, via Zoom. Email info@humilityofmary.org to obtain the Zoom links for the funeral livestream and prayer of remembrance.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, Development Office, P.O. Box 534, Villa Maria, Pa. 16155.

Arrangements by McCauley Funeral Home.

(special notice)