Mercy's first CEO dies at 87

Last edited 11:28 a.m., Aug. 26, 2022

Sister Mary Roch Rocklage, Mercy's first president and CEO who is viewed within the health care system as its modern-day founder, has died.

Known as “Sister Roch,” Rocklage died Aug. 23 after a long illness, according to a news release. She was 87.

“This is a tremendous loss for Mercy and all who loved Sister Roch,” said Steve Mackin, Mercy president and CEO, in the release. “She inspired us through her visionary and principled leadership and was a constant source of joy to everyone around her.”

The Sisters of Mercy Health System, now Mercy, was formed in 1986, when Rocklage became the first systemwide leader. She led as president and CEO for 13 years, and she was chair of the Mercy board for the next 22 years.

Prior to that, the hospitals and other health care facilities sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy were not formally linked, according to Mercy.net. Mercy traces its roots in the United States back to 1843, when the first Sisters of Mercy arrived from Ireland.

Today, Mercy operates its four-state health care system from St. Louis, with local divisions such as Mercy Springfield Communities.

Rocklage advocated for health care access for all on a national level, serving as board chair of the American Hospital Association and a term as the board chair of the Catholic Health Association, according to the release. She was inducted into Modern Healthcare’s Healthcare Hall of Fame, and her awards included the American Hospital Association Distinguished Service Award and the Missouri Hospital Association Career Achievement Award.