CHICAGO (WLS) — An esteemed figure in helping those with disabilities has died.

Sister Rosemary Connelly, known for her work at the Misericordia in Rogers Park, died Thursday at the age of 94.

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The campus was established based on the vision of Sister Connelly, who was convinced that Misericordia represented more than just a home; it offered a path to independence for those with disabilities.

Nat pop: *father jack clair looking at accolades for sister rosemary**

“She was the grand marshal of St. Patrick’s Day, I think the first woman to do it,” said Father Jack Clair, Misericordia president.

She had a life well-lived and distinguished honors that were well earned.

“She’s a person who never took no for an answer,” Clair said. “You know, if she thought it was the right thing to do, she was going to pursue it.”

Sister Connelly collaborated with Father Clair at Misericordia for almost three decades. The almost 40-acre facility, which accommodates individuals with developmental disabilities, was founded on the belief of one woman.

“She came up here with, you know, 39 little children to start this place,” Clair. “And it’s grown to, we’re 620 now.”

Clair mentioned that back in 1969, the concept of special education homes did not exist, and Misericordia was originally intended to retain children only until they reached the age of 6, after which they were to be sent to state institutions.

“When she went and saw where they were going, they were going out to state facilities,” Clair said. “From there, she just said she wasn’t going to let any kids go again, and she was going to start serving older communities.”

Many of those kids are still there today. Connelly was a crucial force in, not only giving them a home, but an independent life. The campus has a restaurant, classrooms, gift shops and even a bakery where the residents work.

“We want them to do as much as they possibly can do and make their contribution to society,” Clair said.

Her work led her to receiving dozens of humanitarian awards and nine honorary doctorates from places likes Notre Dame, St. Mary College, Loyola and Depaul, but the real honor was the love she leaves behind.

“Two of the girls were talking, they pretty much had kind of been here for years and years, and they said, we’re being selfish. We wanted her to stay here, but she deserves to be with God,” Clair said.

She was a woman who worked hard her entire life, and now, Father Clair says she gets to rest with those she loved the most.

“It’s got to be a great reunion up there, and now they don’t have any disabilities,” Clair said. “They’re as free as the stars.”

Clair said Sister Rosemary would not want the work to stop. They’ve got lots of plans to continue her mission, including expanding the campus.

Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago shared the following statement:
“Last night, Sister Rosemary Connelly, RSM who devoted her life to serving our sisters and brothers went home to our Father. For more than seven decades as a religious Sister of Mercy, Sister Rosemary gave proof to the principle that every person is created in God’s image and worthy of respect and dignity. A fearless pioneer in making that core value real in the lives of the people she served and their families, she created innovative programs and gathered the resources to bring them to life. Renowned for her indefatigable work ethic, she was an irresistible advocate who raised awareness about the challenges and inequities facing people with disabilities. In doing so, she altered the existing paradigm, shaking society from prejudices that had governed decisions for centuries. Sr. Rosemary enlisted many thousands to support her mission. She changed their minds and opened their hearts and taught them to see people with disabilities as worthy of everything they needed to live fully. It was simply hard to say no to Sister Rosemary because she was not asking for herself, she was asking for common human decency toward people often seen as ‘less than’ or ‘other.’ While she received numerous awards for her work, we will remember Sister Rosemary foremost as the heart of the Heart of Mercy. We vow to carry on her work and invite all to join us. In this month when we celebrate the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we give thanks to God for Sister Rosemary’s heart, her amazing life, outstanding leadership, and steadfast love.”