Sr. Janet Roesener, CSJ

Sr. Janet Roesener, CSJ entered eternal life on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Mount St. Mary Convent, Wichita Kansas. Sister Janet was born in Cincinnati, OH on January 30, 1934, to Catherine Woods Roesener and Orlin William Roesener just fourteen months after the birth of her brother Tom and is survived by her brother's six daughters: Cathy (Steve Phelan), Gail (Bill) Birmingham, Terry (Pat) Boggess, Mary (Bill) Rieke, Barb (Bob) Thornton and Diane Pursinger (Luke Hueber) and 16 great nieces and nephews. Sr. Janet was preceded in death by her parents who died during her high school years. She is also preceded in death by her brother Tom Roesener, sister-in-law Alice Bokenkotter Roesener and great nephew Stephen Birmingham.

Sr. Janet was known as a caring and quiet presence who loved her life in the St. Joseph community and was always willing to step up and serve however needed. Her love for her brother and his family was always evident, especially in the artistic and handmade gifts she lovingly created for her nieces and all their children. Her customized needle points and Christmas ornaments will be cherished for generations. She was a teacher, an artist, a leader, an administrator and a facilitator.

Sr. Janet began her education journey at Oakley Public School and St. Cecilia School in Cincinnati, Ohio. Following her time in grade school she received a scholarship to St. Joseph Academy in Mt. Washington, Ohio. It was during her time at St. Joseph Academy (now McNicholas High School) that she found her calling with the Sisters of St. Joseph. It was their kindness and community that carried her through the loss of her parents. In September of 1952 Sr. Janet entered the postulate of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille and moved to New Orleans, Louisiana to continue her novitiate and college courses. She started her ministry as Sr. Mary Thomas (her given name was Mary Janet), when she returned to Cincinnati she served at various schools in the area. Beginning with third and fourth grades she continued her teaching ministry teaching grade school and high school science and math as well as serving as principal at McNicholas High School and Guardian Angels School. For two years, Sr. Janet served at Fontbonne Home for Working Women in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Sr. Janet was actively involved in General Chapters for the Medaille congregation as well as the renewal of religious life mandated by Vatican Council II. Following the Chapter of 1977 in which the American provinces formed a new American congregation, Sr. Janet was elected president and served in that capacity from 1977 to 1986. Following her leadership role in her congregation, Sr. Janet served as Executive Director of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) and Director of the National Religious Retirement Office in Washington, D.C. During the following years until her retirement in 2014 and her move to Sisters of St. Joseph Center in Baton Rouge, she engaged in facilitation of multiple religious communities throughout the country along with volunteer community ministry. Sr. Janet's final move in 2017 was to Mount St. Mary Retirement Center's skilled care unit in Wichita, Kansas.

In Wichita, Kansas, a wake will be held at Mount St. Mary Resurrection Chapel on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. and Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. 

In Cincinnati, Ohio, Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 10:30AM at Guardian Angels Church (6539 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45230). Friends and family may visit the church from 9:30-10:30AM. Burial at Guardian Angels Cemetery.

Memorials in Sr. Janet Roesener's name may be sent to the Congregation of St. Joseph Retirement Fund, Dear Neighbor/StepStone Ministries 3700 E. Lincoln St., Wichita, KS 67218.