Rose Regina was born on the 4th of September, 1925 in Lancaster, Ohio - the eldest of a family of three girls and two boys. Blest with parents whose love, fidelity and courage amid obstacles taught by example rather than word, the children grew to maturity in an atmosphere of close family relationships which never altered.

The Dominican Sisters were Regina's teachers from grade school through college, and possibly it was their influence that directed her thoughts to the religious life. She confided to her sister Betty that during college days she always hurried past the door marked "cloister" because she felt it had a message for her.

Graduating with a degree in sociology, Regina worked with the Catholic Welfare Bureau in Columbus for about three years. During this time she learned about the Benedictine Oblates, and as time passed, felt that our Lord was calling her to something more. In 1950 she consulted Archabbot Ignatius Esser, who suggested she contact Mother M. Dolorosa at Clyde. She did so, and six months later - on July 2, she became a postulant at our convent in Clyde. On February 4th, 1951 she assumed the garb of a Novice, and on February 10, 1952 offered her first vows as Sister Mary Alcuin. She made perpetual vows on August 1, 1959.

During her thirty years as a member of our Congregation, Sister M. Alcuin lived in all but our Mundelein and St. Louis monasteries, fulfilling various tasks. Her longest residence was in San Diego, beginning in April, 1971. There she fulfilled the position of librarian with great interest and expertise. In 1970 she reverted to her baptismal name, Rose Regina.

Sister was devoted to community life, generous in all the work given to her and loved the Liturgy and adoration, although she suffered from cancer and many treatments.

For some years Sister participated in the meetings of the Association of Contemplative Sisters, Western Region, and desired to attend the national meeting held in Cincinnati in June, 1982. Although she had not been well, and knew the trip would be difficult for her, she decided to attend the meeting and also the family reunion which was to take place soon afterwards.

 On the first morning she was able to attend Mass, she tripped when leaving the car and suffered a broken hip. Surgery at Kettering hospital was apparently successful, however, from that time on she fought a losing battle while members of her family and several of the Sisters from the St. Louis community who drove to Dayton, kept vigil at her bedside. Those attending her were impressed by her patience, her sense of humor and her love for her family and community. Conscious almost to the end, she slipped quietly into eternity on the 24th of June.