For nearly 30 years, Sister Rose DiFluri has had her finger stalwartly on the pulse of the Catholic school landscape.
Now, as the Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary retires from her role as assistant superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Camden, friends and colleagues are recalling an intellectually gifted, straightforward, funny and compassionate woman of wisdom who advocated fiercely for Catholic schools.
“She’s seen it all, done it all,” said Dr. Bill Watson, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools. “Her wisdom, sensitive nature to the needs of the school community and experience is hard to find.”
‘Institutional knowledge’
In summer 1995, after 15 years of teaching in Catholic schools at the primary and secondary levels, including time as principal and vice principal in New York and Pennsylvania, Sister Rose entered the Diocese of Camden’s Office of Catholic Education as assistant superintendent of schools for educational programs.
Utilizing skills such as conflict management and staff development, she was the first point of contact for Catholic school staff and parents looking for guidance and support.
“She was always willing to help me find solutions, and after every conversation, she’d say, ‘Good luck,’” said Patricia Mancuso, who has been a principal in the Diocese for 24 years. She is currently principal at Saint Mary School, Williamstown.
Helen Persing is principal at Saint John Paul II Regional School, Stratford. She has known Sister Rose for 17 years. “She knew everything, with that mentoring personality. If I emailed or texted her on the weekend, she’d get back to me immediately.”
Both principals cited Sister Rose’s steady demeanor and calming presence as among her top attributes, whether it was helping them fill out applications for financial aid or assisting in Middle States Commission on Higher Education accreditation.
Sister Rose’s skillset extended to the state level, as well. She worked closely with the New Jersey Catholic Conference – the public policy arm of the state’s Catholic bishops – advocating for state funding for non-public school transportation, security, nursing and more.
In New Jersey’s education circles, “Not many people didn’t know who Sister Rose was,” said Dr. Robert Lockwood, diocesan director of curriculum and assessment for Catholic schools. “She was revered.”
In his previous role as superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Metuchen, Dr. Lockwood would frequently witness Sister Rose’s passion as she testified at the State House in Trenton on issues of importance for all non-public schools, including those of different faiths. She was “the institutional knowledge,” he said.
Heart of the matter
Sister Ruth Harkins, IHM, has been Sister Rose’s best friend since 1988, when the two ministered together at Bishop Grimes High School in Syracuse, N.Y. Sister Rose was principal, and Sister Ruth was a social studies teacher.
“She’s taken to heart the doctrine of Jesus the teacher [and] as an advocate for students’ rights,” Sister Ruth said. “Education is in her blood. To her, it’s something to fight for.”
Also important to Sister Rose – her loved ones, and how she looked out for them, whether in the office or beyond its walls.
“Her family and religious community anchored her,” said Mary Boyle, former diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools, who has known Sister Rose for almost 20 years.
Dr. Watson recalled that after stressful or long days of work, he could always find a shoulder to lean on in Sister Rose’s office. “She would listen compassionately,” he said. “Just speaking to someone … who I could share that journey with was a great relief.”
As Sister Rose retires to her community in Scranton, Pa., Sister Ruth recalls a friend who enjoys puzzles, Phillies games, Collingswood’s Villa Barone Italian restaurant, and most especially, a friend big on family – visiting her brother in Pennsylvania and sister in Connecticut, and doting on her nephews.
Marianela Nuñez, diocesan director of enrollment and outreach for the Office of Catholic Schools, can relate. She has worked with Sister Rose for the past eight years. In addition to Sister Rose mentoring her professionally, Nuñez will be ever thankful for the attention Sister Rose showed her children when they stopped by the office, especially to her 8-year-old daughter, Mariana.
“Sister Rose would teach her how to type and other computer skills, take phone calls from her as if Mariana was a fellow worker, and the two would enjoy McDonald’s fries together,” Nuñez said. “Even now, she calls me and asks how my children are doing. … I’m very appreciative.”
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