In Memoriam: Eloise M. Rosenblatt, R.S.M.

CBA mourns the passing of Eloise M. Roseblatt, R.S.M. on April 14th at the age of 81. A member of CBA since 1982, Eloise was an active participant in the Feminist Biblical Hermeneutics Task Force and a co-convener of that Task Force as it reimagined itself as The New Feminist Biblical Criticism Task Force.

She was born in Boise, ID in 1944 and grew up in Whittier, CA, the eldest daughter of six children of Ned and Mary Louise Crum Rosenblatt. She was student body president at St. Paul's High School where she came to know the Sisters of Mercy. Following graduation from Santa Clara University and an MA in literature from USC, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1967 and professed her vows in 1970.

Following nine years of teaching high school she pursued a doctorate in Christian Spirituality at the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) in Berkeley which she completed in 1987. Her extensive studies at the Ecole Biblique included time in Israel, Egypt and Germany where she fully immersed herself in each locality.

Eloise taught at Santa Clara University, the Catholic Theological Union, the GTU, St. Mary's College, and was director of the diaconate in San Francisco. In addition to many other publications, she wrote regular Scripture Reflections for San Francisco Catholic and gave numerous talks in parishes. She developed a feminist consciousness and strong sense of justice. She graduated from Lincoln Law School of San Jose 2003 and passed the bar. Since that time, she practiced and taught law, often serving people in need and as an advocate for women.

She was a co-founder of Mercy Association in Scripture and Theology (MAST) in 1987 and she continued to edit the Mast Journal until her death.

Eloise remained very connected with those she knew and was an expert at circulating the room at a gathering and having a personal conversation with all those she knew. She was known for her culinary skills and was very generous with her time, talents and resources.

She is survived by her sisters, Suzanne Buhai, Carolyn Rosenblatt, brothers Robert and Ted Rosenblatt, many nieces, nephews and cousins in the Rosenblatt, Crum and Overrturf families and her loving community of the Sisters of Mercy.
[Source: San Francisco Chronicle Obituary]

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Please remember and pray for those who have gone before us. If you are aware of the recent passing of a CBA member please inform the CBA office: cba-office@cua.edu or 202-319-5519.