For years Roseann Michel has served the people of Gloucester City in many capacities, including being a member of the Housing Authority, the Board of Health and City Council.
She is a Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary’s Church, and always ready to help those in need. After graduating from high school she became coach of the Gloucester City Phillies softball team and has been a longtime member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians.
On Sunday, March 3, she will be grand marshal of the ninth annual Gloucester City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which begins at 1 p.m. and goes from Martin’s Lake and down Monmouth Street to King Street.
Sponsored by St. Mary’s Church and the Gloucester City Irish Society, the parade will feature Irish dancers, bands and bagpipes as well as string bands and community organization floats.
“I’m truly shocked and honored to be named the Grand Marshal and get to represent the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. I hope I’ve made my family proud, and I wish those looking down on me could be here to celebrate with us,” Michel said.
“We couldn’t be prouder of the legacy Roseann has created, and we can’t wait to celebrate her at the parade. Join us in showing some love to this remarkable individual who has made a lasting impact on our community,” said the parade organizers, calling her “A true pillar in our Gloucester City community.
“Not only does Roseann contribute greatly to our community, but she also has a rich Irish heritage with her grandfather’s family hailing from County Donegal.”
She will be leading what has become the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in South Jersey, as thousands of people line the route to celebrate being Irish, dance to the music and have a good time.
From humble beginnings and the vision of the former pastor of St. Mary’s Church, Msgr. William Hodge, the annual parade has grown every year thanks to the hard work of former mayor Dan Spencer and members of the New Jersey Irish Society.
“I hear the good Right Reverend Monsignor William A. Hodge will be making a parade appearance,” said Spencer, as well as the Brian Boru Pipes and Drums Band led by Drum Major Kevin Flatley.
A crowd favorite is the Gloucester City Irish Society Pipes & Drum band, which will also perform in Mount Holly on March 2 and in Scranton, PA, on March 9. Last year they were received with loud applause while performing traditional Irish music as they marched from Martin’s Lake and down Monmouth Street. Fox 29 traffic reporter Bob Kelly, who marches every year, will be the Celebrity Parade Marshal.
St. Mary’s Church and the Irish Society, with sponsorship help from Gloucester City Council and the Camden County Board of Commissioners, have made sure the parade is a day where everyone is welcome.
“We are an Irish American, community-based volunteer organization dedicated to enhancing, promoting, and preserving Irish culture and heritage, promoting charity, and honoring our Irish heritage within our community while serving the community at large,” is the Irish Society’s stated mission. For information about the parade go to njirish.com.
