April 21, 2016
Rose A. Boyle ’82 & ’90G; special lecturer in education, former OAS coordinator
Rose A. Boyle ’82 & ’90G, a special lecturer in education and graduate education at Providence College, and a former staff member in the College’s Office of Academic Services (OAS), died on Nov. 24, 2015.
Ms. Boyle served as a learning specialist and then as the disability support services coordinator in the OAS from 1994-2003. After leaving that position to take a public school counseling position, she continued to teach education courses at PC as a special lecturer in the School of Continuing Education and in the Graduate Education Program. She taught for approximately 15 years and specialized in American Sign Language.
Ms. Boyle was a guidance counselor in the Bristol Warren Regional School District in Rhode Island for 12 years.
Former PC colleagues and friends said Ms. Boyle will be remembered for many wonderful attributes, including her warmth, integrity, and concern for and dedication to students she worked with and taught.
Rev. William D. Folsey, O.P. ’55, retired associate professor of theology, said when Ms. Boyle was working in the OAS, she was particularly concerned for the student-athletes who she mentored. She recognized their dual roles as students and athletes, and the time management challenges they faced.
He also noted that Ms. Boyle taught sign language to Rev. Thomas J. Ertle, O.P. ’51 & ’82G, chaplain emeritus at PC, so that he could celebrate Mass for the deaf community in Providence.
Ms. Boyle remained close to many members of the College’s Dominican community like Father Ertle after she left the OAS, said Father Folsey, who got to know her when she was a resident assistant during her undergraduate days and he was priest-in-residence at McVinney Hall. She would call him three or four times a week to check on his well-being and to see what was new on campus. It was typical of her to inquire of others’ health while suffering her own health challenges, he added.
“She was just a fun person to be around. She welcomed invitations,” said Father Folsey. She especially enjoyed feast days and holidays with the Dominicans and would join them for dinner.
“You’d save a seat for her. Once she arrived, all of the friars had to talk to Rosie Boyle. She’d eventually make her way to the table,” he said with a smile.
Born in Hartford, Conn., Ms. Boyle graduated from St. Mary Academy-Bay View, in East Providence, R.I., in 1978 before attending PC. She attained her bachelor’s degree in ceramics and her master of education degree in special education.
She was a member of the Rhode Island School Counselors Association and served as a board member and volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House. She was an interpreter and a friend to the deaf of Rhode Island.
A resident of Riverside, R.I., for 18 years, Ms. Boyle was a daughter of Marie (Crispo) Boyle of Warren, R.I., and the late Frederick Boyle.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Ms. Boyle at St. Mary of the Bay Church, Warren, on Dec. 5.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the Rev. Thomas J. Ertle, O.P. Scholarship Fund in care of Providence College, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1 Cunningham Square, Providence, RI 02918-0001, or to the Cancer Survivor Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave., New York, NY, 10065.
