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Do you have a photo of one of our deceased IHM Sisters?
Please send it to us at communications@sistersofihm.org and we will post it with her obituary.
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Sister Emerentia Gallagher, IHM
For almost 50 years, Sr. Emerentia Gallagher met people at a most vulnerable moment in life - as patients in need of care. Having dedicated her life to the healing ministry, she touched the lives of many when a caring presence made an important difference.
Sr. Emerentia served as an x-ray technician at St. Joseph Hospital, Carbondale, PA for 39 years. She later worked in the Medical Records Department and then as a prayer minister. This followed several years of teaching at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Elementary School, Rocky Mount, NC, and St. Peter of Alcantara Elementary School, Port Washington, NY.
Born October 20, 1907 in Carbondale, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Murphy Gallagher. She entered the IHM Congregation on February 22, 1937, made her temporary profession of vows on August 8, 1939 and her final profession of vows on August 2, 1942. She died on November 28.
She held a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Marywood College.
Surviving are a cousing, Ann Truex, Carbondale, and nephews, Ernest P. Gallagher, Endicott, NY, and Joseph Gallagher, Concord, NC.
She was preceded in death by brothers, Joseph and Paul, and a sister, Catherine.
Memorial contributions may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.
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Sister
Maria Raymond Grogan, IHM
With a peaceful presence, boundless charity and a joyful spirit, Sr. Maria Raymond Grogan welcomed strangers and friends into her life with warmth and open heart. Her example inspired many throughout her more than 70 years in religious life, until her death on September 30.
Born May 19, 1906 in Albany, NY, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Elizabeth Mayer Grogan. She entered the IHM Congregation on March 19, 1925, made her temporary profession of vows on August 15, 1927 and her final profession of vows on December 8, 1930.
She received a bachelor of arts degree in English/Latin from Marywood College.
Sr. Maria Raymond brought much love and warmth to the students she met as a teacher in elementary schools at St. Ann, Nyack, NY; Nativity of the Lord, Scranton; St. Paul, New Bern, NC; Little Flower, Bethesda, MD; St. Patrick, Oneida, NY; Our Lady of Grace, Greensboro, NC; and Most Holy Rosary, Syracuse, NY. From 1986 to the time of her death, she served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent.
Surviving are nephews, James and Warren Welch, Las Vegas, NV.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Ann Welch
Memorial contributions may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.
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Sister
St. Gabriel Cox, IHM
With deep faith and unwavering trust, Sr. St. Gabriel Cox bore a long illness that finally called her to God on August 15.
During Sr. St. Gabriel's more than 70 years of ministry, she served as a teacher. Her ministry brought her to elementary schools at St. Ephrem, Brooklyn, NY; St. Mary and St. John, Cresson, PA; Immaculate Conception, Lock Haven, PA; St. Matthew, Wilmington, DE; and to secondary schools at St. Patrick, Olyphant, PA; Sacred Heart, La Plata, MD; St. Rosalia, Pittsburgh, PA; All Saints, Masontown, PA; Immaculate Conception, Lock Haven; and South Scranton Catholic, Scranton. She also served at the catechetical center at St. Patrick Parish, Milford, PA.
She was in prayer ministry at St. Peter of Alcantara Convent, Port Washington from 1980 to the time of her death.
Born April 19, 1906 in Arnsbry, PA, she was the daughter of the late Henry E. and Bernadette Hertzog Cox, She entered the IHM Congregation on August 14, 1922, made her temporary profession of vows on December 29, 1924 and her final profession of vows on December 8, 1930.
She held a bachelor of arts degree in French/English from Marywood College.
Surviving are a sister, Sr. Maria Bernadette Cox, IHM, Marian Convent, and a brother, Ralph, Brooklyn, NY; and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Russell and Leroy, and three sisters, Helen Prague, Geraldine Trexler and Sr. Englebert Cox, IHM.
Memorial contributions may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.
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Sister Mary Ellen Downing, IHM
On August 2 the God of Life and Miracles called Sr. Mary Ellen Downing to eternal life.
Having battled illness with a belief in miracles, Sr. Mary Ellen touched many during her death, as she did during life, with her ability to turn every challenge into an opportunity. By her example, she taught all who crossed her path that no matter how big the challenge, we could do it.
Born March 25, 1944 in Woodside, NY, she was the daughter of the late John and Helen Cullinane Downing. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1963, made her temporary profession of vows on June 26, 1966 and her final profession of vows on September 5, 1971.
She held a bachelor of science degree in elementary education/english and a master of science degree in early childhood education, both from Marywood College. She completed additional study at Pittsburgh University, Plattsburgh University Marymount College and the Midwest Montessori Training Center, Chicago. She had conducted numerous workshops throughout the country on implementing the Montessori Method into the elementary classroom.
As a teacher, principal, mentor and guide, Sr. Mary Ellen empowered the lives of many students, co-workers, friends and congregation members. She taught at St. Mary Elementary School, Goldsboro, NC; Our Lady of Grace Montessori School, Manhasset, NY; and St. Mary of the Assumption Elementary School, Upper Marlboro, MD. She was the principal at Holy Trinity Elementary School, Poughkeepsie, NY; Blessed Sacrament Elementary School, Staten Island, NY; and Our Lady of Grace, Manhasset.
She was the recipient of the "Principal of the Month" award given by Today's Catholic Teacher magazine.
Surviving are a sister, Carol Ann Keminsky, Woodside, NY, and a brother, Eugene, Plantation, FL, a nephew and cousins. Memorial contributions may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.
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Sister
Maria Finbar Nugent, IHM
A native of Ireland, Sr. Maria Finbar Nugent graced the IHM Congregation with her presence for more than 66 years.
As a joyful, gentle spirit, she touched the lives of thousands of children and their families. Her years as an educator took her to elementary schools at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, New York, NY; St. Thomas, Archbald, PA; St. Paul, Cranston, RI; St. Ephrem, Brooklyn, NY; St. Peter of Alcantara, Port Washington, NY; St. Agnes, Baltimore, MD; St. Joseph, Renovo, PA; Sacred Heart, Mount Holly, NJ; St. Joseph, Williamsport, PA; Holy Rosary, Scranton.
Sr. Maria Finbar was born December 21, 1901 in Dublin, of the late James and Elizabeth McNamee Nugent. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 30, 1926, made her temporary profession of vows on January 2, 1929 and her final profession of vows in August 1932.
She held a bachelor of science degree in education from Marywood College.
From 1977 Sr. Maria Finbar dedicated her life to prayer for the needs of the world as a prayer minister at St. Thomas Convent, Archbald; St. Ann Convent, Nyack, NY; and at the Marian Convent, where she resided from 1983 to the time of her death on July 20.
She was preceded in death by two sisters and three brothers. She is survived by a nephew, Michael Kettle, Ireland Memorial contributions may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.
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Sister Maria Aquina O'Toole, IHM
On July 10, God drew Sr. Maria Aquina O'Toole to eternal life, after serving as an IHM sister for 71 years.
Born March 14, 1904 in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Martin W. and Anne Cunningham O'Toole. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1922 and made her profession of vows on December 29, 1924.
She held a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Marywood College.
Throughout her many years of ministry, she influenced the lives of thousands with her gentle, affirming and gracious ways. As a teacher she touched the lives of students in elementary schools at St. Cecilia, Scranton; St. Ephrem, Brooklyn, NY; St. Mary, Dunmore, PA; St. Agnes, Lock Haven, PA; St. Joseph, Renovo, PA; St. Rosalia, Pittsburgh, PA; St. Peter of Alcantara, Port Washington, NY; St. Joseph, Williamsport, PA; and St. Mary, Avoca, PA. She was the principal at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Elementary School, Altoona, PA and served in a catechetical center at Resurrection Parish, Muncy, PA.
She also served in prayer ministry at St. Mary Convent, Avoca, PA; Our Lady of Sorrows Convent, Vestal, NY and at the Marian Convent, where she resided from 1986 until the time of her death.
Surviving are a sister-in-law, Mildred O'Toole, Hollywood, CA, and a niece, Maureen O'Toole, Van Nuys, CA.
She was preceded in death by sisters Catherince Horan and Sr. Mildred O’Toole, IHM, and a brother, John.
Memorial contributions may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.
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Sister
Vianney Lavelle, IHM
With a quiet presence, simple goodness and endless generosity, Sr. Vianney Lavelle gave 59 years of service to the people of God until her death on June 23.
Born November 19, 1908 in Archbald, PA, Sr. Vianney was the daughter of the late Patrick and Kathryn Wright Lavelle. She entered the IHM Congregation on February 2, 1934, made her first profession of vows on August 2, 1936 and her final profession of vows on August 1, 1939.
Sr. Vianney dedicated 53 years as an elementary school teacher. These years gained her a special place in the hearts of children in elementary schools at St. John, Cresson, PA; Sacred Heart, La Plata, MD; St. Joseph, Renovo, PA; Mother of Mercy, Washington, NC; St. Mary of the Mount, Pittsburgh, PA; St. Dominic, Oyster Bay, NY; St. Mary, Manhasset, NY; and St. Aloysius, Cresson, PA.
In later years, she dedicated her life to her prayer ministry at St. Mary Convent, Manhasset, and at the Marian Convent, where she resided from 1988 to the time of her death.
She held a bachelor of science degree in education from Marywood College.
Surviving her are sisters, Florence Lavelle, Patricia McEvoy and Blanche Marks, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by sisters Sarah Holmes, Mary Woodworth, Della Malia, Veronica Sullivan, Catherine Finnerty and Gertrude Caviston, and brothers, John, Joseph and Edward.
Memorial contributions may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.
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Sister
Pierre Kennedy, IHM
Sr. Pierre Kennedy entered eternal life on May 11. During her more that 64 years in religious life, Sr. Pierre gave faithful
witness with her unwavering "Yes" to all that was asked of her.
Born March 20, 1906 in Plymouth, PA, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Anna Ward Kennedy. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1928, made her first profession of vows on April 14, 1931 and her final profession of vows on August 2, 1934.
She held a bachelor of arts degree from Marywood College and a master of arts degree from Fordham University, both in history.
Sr. Pierre was an outstanding social studies teacher who loved her ministry. As teacher and guidance counselor, she touched and influenced lives forever among her students at Marywood Seminary; St. John High School, Pittston, PA; Holy Rosary High School, Scranton; South Catholic High School, Scranton; St. Rosalia, Pittsburgh, PA ; St. Dominic High Oyster Bay, NY; and Archbishop Neale School, LaPlata, MD.
Her years in prayer ministry at St. John Convent, Pittston; St. Leo Convent, Ashley, PA; and the Marian Convent, where she resided from 1992 to the time of her death, continued to give witness to her total dedication to God.
Sr. Pierre was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth, and brothers, Vincent, John and Leo.
Surviving are cousins, John Barry, Plymouth; Mary Cushner, Kingston, PA; Mary O'Boyle O'Mara, Sayre, NY; and Mary Ruddy, Washington, DC.
Memorial contributions may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509. |
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Sister
Johanne Barry, IHM
Sr. Johanne Barry, a woman of prophetic vision, died on May 2, after serving as a Sister of IHM for 54 years.
In her ministry as Assistant to the Superior General from 1978-1982 and as Education Consultant for Secondary Schools for the IHM Congregation from 1975-1978, she significantly helped shape the Congregation's mission and constantly challenged its membership to grow and bring forth its giftedness.
Sr. Johanne lived her life with courage and conviction to the ideals she valued. Her example touched the lives of many in her service as the Dean of Students at Marywood College, as a principal in St. Mary High School, Manhasset, N.Y.; Seton Catholic High School, Pittston, PA,. and Seton Central High School, Binghamton, N.Y. and as a teacher in St. Rose High School, Carbondale, PA.; Immaculate Conception High School, Lock Haven, PA; St. Paul High School, Scranton; Immaculata High School, New York, N.Y.; and St. John High School, Pittston. She also served as an administrative assistant at Holy Cross High School, Delran, N.J.
In 1988 Sr. Johanne began work as a Research for Education Consultant and published, Power, a newsletter for educators. She continued in this work until the time of her death at the Marian Convent.
A native of Pittsburgh, born March 24, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Francis A. and Mary Agnes Kennedy Barry. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1938, made her first profession of vows on May 8, 1941 and her final profession of vows on August 2, 1944.
She held a bachelor of arts degree in science from Marywood College and a master of science degree in chemistry and physics from Notre Dame University.
Surviving are sisters, Sr. Janice Barry, IHM and Mary Dixon of Pittsburgh and a brother, Thomas, of Pittsburgh.
She was preceded in death by a brother, the Hon. Francis Barry.
Memorial contributions may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.
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Sister
Catherine Patricia McGirr, IHM
Sr. Catherine Patricia McGirr lovingly served for 67 years as a Sister of IHM.
Born July 5, 1904 in New York City, she was the daughter of the late Patrick and Catherine Gillis McGirr. She entered the IHM Congregation on March 25, 1926, made her first profession of vows on August 15, 1928 and her final profession of vows on August 2, 1932.
Her warmth, courage, strength and witness touched the lives of countless children and families in her service as a principal and teacher. Over the years she ministered at Immaculate Conception Elementary School, Lock Haven, PA; St. Patrick Elementary School and St. John Elementary School, Scranton; Sacred Heart Elementary School, La Plata, MD; St. Raymond Elementary School, East Rockaway, N.Y.; St. Mary Elementary School, Manhasset, N.Y.; St. Ann Elementary School, Nyack, N.Y.; Our Lady of Mount Carmel Elementary School, Asbury Park N.J.; and St. Peter of Alcantara Elementary School, Port Washington, N.Y.
She held a bachelor of arts degree in social studies from Marywood College and a master of science degree in educational psychology from St. John University, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Since 1992 she served in prayer ministry at the Marian Convent, until her death on April 4.
Surviving are sisters, Margaret McGirr and Mary Howard, both of Flushing, N.Y.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Catherine, Ann and Sr. Terence McGirr, IHM, and three brothers, Thomas, Terance and Rev. Patrick.
Memorial contributions may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.
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Sister
Marya Foley, IHM
Sr. Marya Foley, most remembered for her goodness, compassion, joy and laughter, died on February 13.
Sr. Marya left a living legacy in the Congregation and among the many parishes where she ministered. From 1968 to 1971, she served as the Director of Postulants for the IHM Congregation and influenced the lives of many sisters. She also served as a business teacher at St. Agnes Elementary School, Baltimore, MD; Mount Holly Regional School, Mt. Holly, N.J.; St. Alphonsus Commercial School, New York City; Monsignor McHugh High School, Cresco, PA; Bishop Hannan High School, Scranton, PA; Maria Regina High School, Uniondale, N.Y.; Bishop O'Reilly High School, Kingston, PA; and Holy Cross High School, Delran, N.J.
For the last seven years of her 40 years in religious life, she resided at the Marian Convent, where she died.
Born August 28, 1924 in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late John P. and Madeline Dougherty Foley. She entered the IHM Congregation on February 2, 1950, made her first profession of vows on August 2, 1950 and her final profession of vows on August 2, 1955.
She held a bachelor of science degree from Marywood College and a master of arts degree from New York University, both in business education.
Surviving are a sister-in-law, Margaret Foley, Scranton, and nine nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas.
Memorial contributions may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.
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Sister Thaddeus Kelly, IHM
Born December 15, 1912 in Susquehanna, PA, Sr. Thaddeus Kelly, as a child, walked the ground made holy by Mother Theresa Maxis and our founding IHM sisters. The inspiration of her IHM forebears led Sr. Thaddeus to enter the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1930, make her first profession of vows on April 24, 1933 and her final profession of vows on August 1, 1936.
Her 62 years in religious life called her to service as a principal at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Elementary School, Rocky Mount, N.C.; St. Patrick Elementary School, Oneida, N.Y.; St. Rosalia Elementary School, Pittsburgh, Pa.; St. Joseph
Elementary School, Danville, Pa.; St. Paul Elementary School, Cranston, R.I.; and Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Elementary School, Forest Hills, N.Y. She was a teacher at St. Mary of the Mount School, Pittsburgh; St. Ephrem Elementary School, Brooklyn, N.Y.; St. Ambrose Elementary School, Bridgeport, Ct.; St. Joseph Elementary School, Williamsport, PA; and Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Altoona, PA.
She obtained a bachelor of arts degree in social studies from Marywood College.
In later years, she brought her kindness and compassion to ministry at St. Joseph Center, Scranton, and to the Marian Convent where she served as sacristan.
During her final illness, she touched many with the persistence of her gentle spirit in the face of suffering until her death on February 5 at the Marian Convent.
Surviving is a sister-in-law, Doris Kelly of Susquehanna, a niece, Mrs. Gilbert Philhowder, and nephews, Thomas,
Rev. William and Ronald.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Patrick F. and Nora Clancy Kelly, and a brother, Eugene.
Memorial contributions may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.
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IHM Obituaries 1993, IHM Obituaries 1994, IHM Obituaries 1996, IHM Obituaries 1997, IHM Obituaries 1998,
IHM Obituaries 1999, IHM Obituaries 2000, IHM Obituaries 2001, IHM Obituaries 2002, IHM Obituaries 2003,
IHM Obituaries 2004, IHM Obituaries 2005, IHM Obituaries 2006, IHM Obituaries 2007, IHM Obituaries 2008,
IHM Obituaries 2009, IHM Obituaries 2010
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