Sister Rosann Fraher

July 6, 1942 - June 25, 2023

Sister Rosann Fraher died at the age of 80 on June 25, 2023 in Burlingame. Born in San Francisco to Philip and Veronica Kohr Fraher, she attended Epiphany Elementary and Mercy High Schools. She entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1960 and professed vows in 1963. Following college, she completed requirements at U.C. Berkeley for her California Teaching and Administrative credentials and Masters degree. Sister taught elementary school at St. Catherine’s and Our Lady of Angels in Burlingame and St. Gabriel in San Francisco, then served as Principal for several years. While Principal at St. Peter’s she became fluent in Spanish. She found that this time especially enriched her perspective on life, ministry and faith.

She was elected to the Community leadership team 1989-93 and on completion of her term, she became Principal at Mercy High School Burlingame for 10 years. She focused on expanding the academic program especially in the areas of fine arts, foreign language and technology. During her tenure the school experienced an increase in enrollment. Sister also worked on a national level to support Mercy Schools and was a member of the advisory board for educational leadership at the University of San Francisco. After a year of sabbatical Rosann taught junior high at St. Anne’s School in San Francisco and then ministered with the Presentation Sisters for 10 years at The Lantern teaching English as a Second Language in the Mission District. She enjoyed the opportunity to provide direct service to women where she could use her language skills and help to meet their needs. She was known for her fun-loving manner and her ability to respond creatively and generously to the needs of others. Even when she was ill she enjoyed connecting with others and offering support.

Rosann is survived by siblings Philip J., Robert, John and Joseph Fraher and Nancy Fraher Carrey, many nieces and nephews and her loving community of the Sisters of Mercy.

A vigil service will be held on July 11 at 7 p.m. at Mercy Convent 2300 Adeline Drive, Burlingame, CA; and the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on July 12 at 11:00 a.m. at Mercy Convent followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 2300 Adeline Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010, Mercy Beyond Borders or Mercy High School.