Sister Mary 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 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. Sr. Janet was preceded in death by her parents who died during her high school years and more recently, her brother Tom.

Sr. Janet began her education journey at Oakley Public School and St. Cecilia School in Oakley, Ohio. Following her time in grade school she received a scholarship to St. Joseph Academy in Mt. Washington, Ohio. In September of 1952 Sr. Janet entered the postulate of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Bourg en Bresse and moved to New Orleans, Louisiana to continue her novitiate and college courses. From there she returned to Cincinnati and began her life of ministry at various schools in the area. Beginning with third and fourth grades she continued her teaching ministry teaching Middle School and High School science and math as well as serving as principal. 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 Bourg 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.

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. Internment will take place in Cincinnati, Ohio with date to be determined.

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.