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Remembering an IHM Sister Name: Jan Fischer Name of Sister Remembered: Sister Alphonsus Mary Location Where Story Took Place: St.Ambrose/Bridgeport/CT Date Story Took Place: 1962/1963 Story: I've often thought of Sr.Alphonsus Mary. I was lucky to have her for 6th and 7th grade. She was affectionately known as Sister "SAM." I was fairly shy at that time and Sister seemed to go out of her way to make me feel special. I was chosen for special assignments. She helped me become more confident and I always wished I could say thank you. If anyone knows if she's still around, I would love to know! I'd like her to know she made a difference in my life. Name: Angela Brigido Name of Sister Remembered: Sr. Raymond and so many more Location Where Story Took Place: St. Paul's, Scranton, PA Date Story Took Place: 1971 and continuing Story: Watching the IHM videos and reading the IHM remembrances,
instantly reminds me of why I have always loved and respected the
IHMs. The influence they have had on my life is profound. My deepest
desire has always been to be for others the way so many of the sisters
have been for me. My gratitude is inexpressible. I knew from the time
I was a little girl that there was something different about them
and I just had to know what it was. I learned quickly. From the moment
they entered my life - to this very second - to eternity, I will forever
feel love for the community. Knowing the IHM sisters and growing up
with them was like living a storybook. My love for God and Our Blessed
Mother was nurtured and I was taught how to pray. I was the hyperactive
student who couldn't sit still, but the moment Sr. Raymond began her
sacred stories at 1:45, I was transformed. I can remember sitting
right in front of her, chin on hands, and captivated by her every
word. I would carry her stories with me and would try to live them
the best I could – I was the character living the story. She
was filled with delight, knowing I enjoyed and responded so fervently;
but then 2:00 came and she insisted that I put the story aside for
now and remain after school to learn all my prepositions. She was
determined in every way and I was delighted and obliged. When I think
of my experiences of my younger days with the IHMs, I smile with great
pride. Name: Nancy Vidal Name of Sister Remembered: Sister Maria Location Where Story Took Place: St. Stephen School, New York City, NY Date Story Took Place: 1973 I will always remember the kindness and sensitivity
that Sister Maria Voorneveld, my 8th grade teacher, showed me. I attended
St. Stephen's school in New York City along with my older sister and
younger brother. I grew up in a loving family where both parents had
to work to make ends meet and they sacrificed what little salaries
they earned so that we could have a good catholic education. Sister
Maria was a wonderful teacher who made learning interesting. She was
a pleasant, happy and warm person. While in her claass I was expected
to give a quarter every Tuesday when class dues were collected by
a student. The problem was that my mother could not afford to give
me that quarter since money was so limted. Every Tuesday I would tell
the student who collected the dues that I forgot and left my quarter
at home.I was embarrassed and felt terrible about lying but I did
not want to tell Sister that we could not afford a quarter. Finally,the
day came when the student who collected dues told me "you never
have money and I'm telling Sister Maria." I was so scared,humiliated
and nervous. Sister asked to see me privately in the library. I was
crying not knowing what she would say. Sister Maria spoke to me in
a gentle tone and asked me if my parents were unable to give me the
quarter. I answered yes,stunned that she understood my plight without
any explanation from me. She suggested that from then on I would collect
the class dues therefore no one else would know I would not pay.Only
she and I. She smiled at me and told me not to say anything to the
other children, and reaassured me that all would be fine. She never
brought it up again. I will always remember her kindness, understanding
and help to me as a child.I have often told this story and I would
like to thank Sister now as an adult. I am a Registered Nurse and
I work with children.I have tried to imitate her kindness and sensitivity
in my life. She made a big difference in the life of a scared little
girl who went on to do good and care for others in life. Name: John Hennigan Name of Sister Remembered: Veronice C. Hennigan Location Where Story Took Place: Claremont ,Ca. (our home) Date Story Took Place: 1664 or 1965 Story: Sister Veronice was my Aunt,she came to California to visit and she left a special impression on me. She was a wounderful person. I know she had played a special in helping my Dad finish college, she worked to help Dad through Manhattan College.After Dad graduated Sister joined the convent and that certainly showes how fantastic she was. Name: Rosemary (Monteleone) Lowe
Grande
Name of Sister Remembered: Sister Herberta (Immaculata High School in NYC) Location Where Story Took Place: Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church- Christmas Eve Date Story Took Place: 1954 Story: I played the organ for the children's choir at Sacred Hearts when I was in grammar school. This particular Christmas Eve all the lights in the church went out. However, all the candles were lit and it was a beautiful sight. Sister Herberta came over to the organ and put her rosary upon it and said "Okay Blessed Mother, now do your stuff". And to the amazement of all of us -- the lights came on. Name: Karen Corcoran (Block) Name of Sister Remembered: Sister Redempta Sweeney Location Where Story Took Place: Bishop Hoban Wilkes-Barre, PA Date Story Took Place: 1975-1976 Story: Sister Redempta was a wonderful, kind and patient person who smiled often. I was a student at Hoban and Sister Redempta was very kind and really helped to educate me. I had for Moral Guidance Class and in addition to wanting to become a nun at the time, Sister cheerfully met with me once a week for an hour after school to talk, listen. She offered me great books to read, such as, Hinds Feet on High Places. Sister will be happy to know that I am a graduate of Kings College and Marywood University. I earned my Master of Science Degree from Marywood in 1990. I have been a teacher for the past 24 years. Thanks to Sister Redempta Sweeney for the time she spent with me, her love, kindness and educational encouragement! If Sister is still with the Congregation, please forward this message of gratitude. Sincerely, Name: Nell U. Hadnot I was always in her prayers. I regret I never got to see her face to face before she passed on. I deeply miss her. She always took the time to listen and encourage me and to lift my spirit up when I was so down. She was very elated when I told her my daughter was going to receive her First Communion, the last time I spoke with her. I chose Mothers Day 2007 as Michell's First Communion because of a picture that was taken in 1959 on the front steps of the old convent in Rocky Mount with all of the sisters who were there that year. During my years at O.L.P.H., my father and mother would always gladly drive the nuns out of town and on trips whenever there was a need. I do remember telling her that if the Lord didn't have the plans for me that He did, that I would have chosen to be a Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. I do try now to live by the example, all my teachers taught and instilled in me. Name: Francis Jackowski Name: Dorothy Corbett McClafferty Name: A. Ciampa
Name of Sister Remembered: Sister Jeanine (and all the wonderful sisters who taught at St. Mary's Elementary School in Manhasset, NY) Location Where Story Took Place: St. Mary's Elementary School, Manhasset, NY Date Story Took Place: 1981 Story: God Bless all of the wonderful sisters who taught at St. Mary's Elementary School in Manhasset! In particular, I would like to honor Sister Jeanine who was my second grade teacher in 1981. Although I was too young to appreciate it at the time, she had an amazing impact on my life. At the end of the year, she gave me a chain with an IHM pendant on it. I can still remember beaming as she placed it around my neck. She told me it should serve as a reminder to always act in a way that would make her proud. I wore it every day without fail until eventually the chain broke and, sadly, the pendant was lost. I never forgot it, though. Now, almost three decades later, I can still feel that pendant's phantom weight around my neck. And it still is a reminder to act in a way that would make Sister Jeanine and all the IHM sisters proud. Thank you, Sister Jeanine, I am a better person because of you. Name: Richard D. Hart Name of Sister Remembered: IHMs who served at St. Matthew's Location Where Story Took Place: St. Matthew's School Wilmington, DE Date Story Took Place: 1964-1973 Story: My name is Richard Hart. I am presently in my 25th year of Catholic education. I am in my 15th year as a Catholic School principal. As I reflect over the past 25 years I am so grateful to the wonderful foundation I received from the IHMs. What I believe Catholic Education is, how it is lived out, and what it looks like is based on my experiences at St. Matthew's and the wonderful example of the Sisters. Sr. Rose Irma was my fourth grade teacher, she is by far my favorite teacher. She is why I am a teacher today. I will always remember Sr. fondly. My love for music, art, and history were fostered by her. I vividly remember piano lessons at the convent, classroom art on Fridays, and the unending stories of American Other Sisters come to mind when I look back. Namely, Sr. Antoinette, Sr. Mary Martin, Sr. Ruth Marie and my 8th grade teacher Sr. Robert Mary Murphy. After I graduated from St. Matthew's I had the good fortune to return to St. Matthew's during my junior and senior year of college to fulfill practical teaching experience needed for graduation. I had the great fortune to work under several outstanding teachers who helped me develop my teaching skills and develop my appreciation for Catholic Education. Sr. Mary Martin O'Dea, principal of the school, allowed me access to this wonderful experience. She too was a guiding force in my life. Sister Elizabeth Bushman, Sr. Beth, Sr. Mary Mercy Gilbart were all great role models and helped me. I was completing my senior year of college when Sr. Elizabeth was battling her cancer and went to her reward. To this day her monthly hand made alphabets have adorned every classroom I have had and now proudly hang in the Library Wing of St. Thomas the Apostle School. She and all the IHMs are remembered monthly when I change the alphabets. I would be remiss if I did not remember Sr. Jane Snyder. Jane walked me through my first years as a principal at St. Hedwigs School while she was at St. Matthew's. She was a good friend and an outstanding mentor. I could always go to Jane for advice, and a good laugh. She never judged, just understood and gave good advice. What a great listener. In closing, I just want to say thank you to all the IHM Sisters for their great work and presence in the church. I for one will never forget what they have done and what they will continue to do. Richard D. Hart
Name: Peggy Robinson Nelson Name of Sister Remembered: All of the IHM Sisters who formed my life Location Where Story Took Place: St. Dominic's grade and High School K-12 Date Story Took Place: 1943-1955 Story: Most of the Sisters who taught me during those years are probably home with God. I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you for the education, caring, and Faith development that you gave to me during those years.May God continue to bless your Community and bring you many vocations. Name: Carol Mangan I happened upon this site accidently while doing a google search on Chapel
School. I saw a "remembering a sister" story about Sr. Raymond Rafferty at
St. Paul's School. I went to St. Paul's at the same time, 1974-76, a fondly
remember Sr. Raymond as my 5th and 6th grade English teacher. I'm writing
to find out if she is still alive, and if so, can you forward this message
to her. Name: Kathleen Duran Name of Sister Remembered: Sr. Gabriel (Margaret Driscoll) Story: Name: Rachel Powers Name of Sister Remembered: Sister Raymond Rafferty Location Where Story Took Place: St Paul's School Scranton PA Date Story Took Place: Mid 1970's Story: When I recite poetry like Trees by
Joyce Kilmer--I remember my fifth grade
classroom at St. Paul's school and
fondly remember Sister Raymond
encouraging us to recite and how
excited I felt when she told us about
Longfellow's poem Evangeline and I had
looked forward to reading it. I still
like diagramming sentences. I owe a
debt to Sr. Raymond --when today I can
share a poem with my children or teach
a classroom of children. In a gentle
way--Sister Raymond inspired me. So
thank you for being a warm teacher who
could even join in for a game of
jumprope. Each time I walk by the
vacant spot where the convent stood on
Penn Avenue--I feel sad at the loss.
Thanks and God bless and please share
this with Sister Raymond. Name: Julio Pajaro Mercado Name of Sister Remembered: Sister M. Edith Halligan, IHM Location Where Story Took Place: Maria Regina D.H.S.,Uniondale, NY Date Story Took Place: 1974 Story: Sister Edith was a wonderful person. I joined the band and learned to play Clarinet and Tenor sax. I still play both as well as Soprano Sax and guitar. Music has been a part of my life ever since I met her. She had the patience to teach me when others did not. Thank you Sister Edith. I will never forget you. Name: Karen A Clark Name of Sister Remembered: Sister Joan Coyne Location Where Story Took Place: Novitiate Date Story Took Place: 1970s Story: Sister Joan Coyne met all 12 of us at the door of the Novitiate the day we entered. The 12 apostles they called us. (or the 12 fruits!) Sister Kathleen Mary Burns was called the mother of the band, since she stepped foot in the door first on entrance day. We had sing alongs many times down in the rec room. This one particular time, Sister Joan got up and began to sing the song from West side story... The most beautiful sound I ever heard. When she sang "MARIA" all of us chimbed in "PACIS" !! It was hilarious watching her ravel up and fold up in laughter as she had done in her characteristic way !! ( much like she did during her "WIND UP DOLL" song!!! Name: Kimberly (Engle) Etheridge Name of Sister Remembered: Sister Mercille Schneider Location Where Story Took Place: Our Lady of Grace, Greensboro, NC Date Story Took Place: 1977-78 Story: Sr Mercille will always be such an
inspiration to me. She always brought
warmth and love into her teaching.
She not only taught us the academics
but also how to love life. I wish
that I could express how she touched
my life. She created such a big part
of me. I hope that in my life time
that I can touch someone the way that
she touched me. I wish that she could
know how much she means to me even
after 30 years have passed. She
created some of the best memories from Name: Pam Scimeca Hammond Name of Sister Remembered: Sr. Joan Coyne, IHM Location Where Story Took Place: St. Mary School, Goldsboro, NC Date Story Took Place: 1966 and years previous Story: How blessed we here at St. Mary School were to have shared some of Sr. Joan's years! At the time, she was known only as Sister Maria Pacis and what a big secret (and mystery) it was to the students here to know anything about the Sisters that taught us. We were always trying to get little bits of information about our teachers before they entered the convent. We had a "storage room" in our school that was strictly for the Sister's trunks~and of course we were "forbidden" to go anywhere near them. My dearest friends at the time were twins, Jo Marie and Joan. We were so devoted to the school and the sisters that we spent most of our weekends hanging around the school doing any jobs that needed to be done. This one particular weekend, Jo, Joan and I were alone in the school waiting for Sr. Joan and Sr. Ann to come over to "put us to work". Oops, they had left the trunk room open! What an opportunity for three mischievious and curious girls! We made a B-line for the trunk room and found Sr. Joan's. Upon opening it we found her High School year book which told us her name and that she had been a high school cheerleader! Wow, a real person! We were so impressed with how "popular" she'd been and did all the silly little things that middle school girls do to let her know we knew something we weren't supposed to know. She didn't catch on and never found out until not many years ago when she came back down to St. Mary School, where I now work and I told her. We had a great laugh over it. Joan was someone that could always make you laugh (even during Latin class) when we weren't supposed to be laughing. Her smile brightened up every room she entered and brought a ray of God's love and hope to all she met. Thank you Sisters, each and everyone one of you for sharing Sr. Joan with us down here in the South. We are all better people for having been a part of her life. Name: Dorothy Corbett McClafferty Name of Sister Remembered: Sister Noreen Falvey Location Where Story Took Place: St. Ann's School Date Story Took Place: 1959 Story: Unlike most of my teachers, my memory of Sister Noreen is somewhat faded. I had her in seventh grade and she was a very quiet gentle person, always concerned with her students, but she was ill a good deal that year as I recall. She will, however, always be remembered by me and my family because my youngest sister is named after her - Noreen Bernadette, after Sister Noreen and Mother Bernadette Carmody. My hope is that both of these gentle sisters- Sister Noreen and Mother Bernadette- are with Our Lord and enjoying their well deserved reward. Name: Dorothy Corbett McClafferty Name of Sister Remembered: Sister Jamesella Mawhinney Location Where Story Took Place: St. Ann's School, Nyack, NY Date Story Took Place: app. 1954 Story: Sometimes the smallest acts of
kindness are the ones that have the
biggest impact on us, especially when
we are young children.I was in Sister Jamesella's 3rd It has been over fifty years since that long ago classroom. Sister went on to pursue her nursing career and when I saw her about a year ago I dont think she really remembered those two incidents. How could she really . But I do, Sister, and your kindness to those two students made a lasting impression on me. Sister also picked up on one other thing - my increasing inability to see the board well before mandated yearly eye exams("if you need glasses, Dorothy, tell us now"). How right she turned out to be. You were only wrong about one thing, Sister. Today,my unique palmer pen/Dorothy handwriting is admired by everyone who sees it! God bless the IHMs like Sister Jamesella who have given so much of themsleves. We are in your debt. Name: Dorothy Corbett McClafferty Name of Sister Remembered: Sister Daria McGinn Location Where Story Took Place: St. Ann's School, Nyack N Y Date Story Took Place: 1952 Story: I was a first grade student in St.
Ann's in 1952 and I was lucky enough to
have had Sister Daria as my teacher.I
remember her so well as she drilled us
each day in phonics by pointing to an
alphabet chart with what at that time
at least seemed like a very big
pointer.I remember how she would smile
as Father Murphy,our pastor, tapped on
the window of the two room schoolhouse
that housed the kindergarten and first
grade and would keep smiling as we were I owe the IHMs alot- and I am
especially grateful to you, Sister,for
the lifelong love of reading, learning
and faith that you instilled in me and My regret is that my daughters have not had the advantage of an IHM education. May God bless you all Name: Bob Venezia Name of Sister Remembered: Sr. Mary Ellen Downing Location Where Story Took Place: Upper Marlboro, MD Date Story Took Place: 1978-1985 Story: I was a student at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic School in Upper Marlboro, MD from 1978-1985 and had the pleasure of being taught by several wonderful IHM sisters. I have such fond memories of those times. During my time there, our principal was Sr. Victoire (I cannot remember her last name). My 1st grade teacher was Sr. Mary Ellen Downing, my 2nd grade teacher was Sr. Johnice Grand (I believe) and my 4th grade teacher was Sr. Lorraine Sinn.
I was so sad to learn of Sr. Mary Ellen's passing. She was my first grade teacher and I remember so much of my time in her class: sitting Indian-style on the blue circle, sounding out vowels and consonants in our little phonics books, and going with her to a Montessori workshop as a "guest" student. Those are wonderful memories. My own daughter is a student at Our Lady of Hope Catholic School in Cascades, VA, and sadly there are not any sisters in the entire school. Although we are very pleased with her school, I know she is missing something special I had in my years at St. Mary's. Name: Diane Saunders Sternbach
Name of Sister Remembered: Sr. Lothaire (Ruth Saunders) Location Where Story Took Place: Scranton, PA Date Story Took Place: 1950s-60s. Story: As Sr. Lothaire's niece, I have many,
many memories of my beloved aunt...
her dragging my father to the pet
store to buy fish for her tank at
school; drinking Manhattans out of
coffee cups out of defference to
onlookers at Blue Shutters restaurant;
pushing her in her wheelchair at the
World's Fair (how much pain she must
have been in!); her waving to me from
the hospital window because I was too
young to be allowed in to hug her; her
wonderful caretakers, Sr. Benigna Name: Edward Kowalski Name of Sister Remembered: Sister Mary Peter Doran Location Where Story Took Place: St Dominic High School, Oyster Bay, New York Date Story Took Place: 1964-1968 Story: My four years at Saint Dominic High School in Oyster Bay, NY greatly influenced the remaining years of my life. The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary not only taught us “book stuff”, but how to prepare for what life would demand from us. They were strict but fair, dominating but caring and always willing to walk the extra mile with you. My mother wanted me to get a good education so that I would be better prepared for the even tougher road ahead, college. Well, I received more than what she so dearly wanted for me. During my early years at high school I discovered that I enjoyed mathematics. I especially enjoyed one particular math teacher. Sister Mary Peter was my trigonometry and calculus instructor in my junior and senior years respectively. Her classes were tough; she had high expectations, but was always willing to give you any extra help you required to understand the material. Sister Mary Peter also led an after school activity called Mathletes. This was a group of “math crazy” students competing against students of other schools trying to solve advanced mathematical problems faster than their competition. Not too cool if you are trying to impress a girl, but sure looks good on your college resume. I guess I did impress someone on the college entrance committee; I was accepted into college and later attended graduate school. At both of these fine universities I pursued my love of mathematics, attaining two degrees in engineering. The success that I have achieved in my career is largely due to that mathematical foundation that Sister Mary Peter built within me. For the past year or so, I have been
communicating with Sister Mary Peter. I
have even visited her at the Marian
Convent in Scranton, PA. The experience I want to take this opportunity to thank you Sister Mary Peter for your dedication in teaching mathematics and the inspiration you have had on my life. Name: Bill Carey Name of Sister Remembered: Sister Alberta Lovett, IHM Location Where Story Took Place: St. Ephrem's, Brooklyn, NY Date Story Took Place: 1964? Story: Sr. Alberta was my first grade teacher. I remember her sense of humor, which she used to cope with the more difficult-to-handle kids. Two incidents I recall involved the same boy, who was a bit of a handful, to say the least. On one occasion, having had about all she could take of him, she told him she would have no choice but to put his head through the blackboard. Then, lest anyone take her too seriously, she went on to say, "and then when Sister Julia next door opens up her cupboard, there will be Thomas B.'s head!" Another time, the voice of the principal, Sr. Eunice, came over the loudspeaker. She needed Thomas B. in the office, so she asked, "Sister Alberta, will you please excuse Thomas B.?" Sr. Alberta didn't miss a beat: She turned around and looked up at the loudspeaker, and said, "Sister Eunice, there IS no excuse for Thomas B.!" Little things like this made life more bearable for Sister Alberta and the kids, and all these years later, I still share these anecdotes with friends. Name: Keith McLiverty
Name of Sister Remembered: Sister Terrence McGirr Location Where Story Took Place: Our Lady of Mercy, Forest Hills NY Date Story Took Place: 1985 Story: There are many sisters that I recall
during my time at Our Lady of Mercy in
Forest Hills NY. From the day I
arrived in first grade with Sister
Trinita, to Sister Cornelius, Sister
Robert Mary, Sister Ruthanne, there
was a level of fear instilled in us You were to respect them, you were to be afraid of them,(mind you this was in the eyes of a boy who needed periodic discipline) and you were to always tell them the truth. My brother was ahead of me by three years, and in my opinion needed a little more motivation and discipline than I did. He had Sister Terrence, and she took care of both of those things. This was a time when a "crack" or two was needed, and was allowed, and in fact welcomed by our parents. How times have changed, not for the good. Well, it was my second or third day in class, and Sister Terrence had all the tall boys in the back of the room. That meant that I was right with my boys. Mat Flood, Greg Ganley, and me. This was great. We were all writing, and we thought that we saw Sister sleeping, her eyes were closed, her head was bouncing, and I thought I heard a grunt or two. So being boys, we started shooting spit balls, crawling over to the girls seat that we liked (but we treated them like we didn't, the boy hood cruch thing)and pinching their legs. Well Sister started to move, and we stopped. Home free, we did our thing and she was sleeping for the whole time. So we thought. It was dismissal time, and when we were getting ready to leave and putting our sport coats on (they were required, and in fact the one I had on was a checkered one that I had for three years) Sister asked that Matt, Greg, Tom Tommasso and I stay behind for a moment. She sat us all in the front, in a box. She stood right in the middle, and I believe started talking about respect, and in what I believe to this day was one motion, connected with each of our heads, and like a rotor of a helicopter, spun two or three times, and connected with each one of us. While doing that, she was talking about respect for her while she was busy, and "don't get out of our seats, spit spit balls, and touch the girls." Busy, that was a new term for sleeping. But, we forwever remember her and what he taught us. Each of the IHM nuns made us who we are today. They taught us respect, love, caring for others, and a love for God. There is no doubt in my mind that who I am today is a combination of the nuturing and love that I received from my parents, and the nuns in school. We talk about each of the nuns we had to this day. And after the funny stories, and laughs, we always say that growing up in Forest Hills and going to school at OLM, was the best childhood we could have ever had. We also always say that it is a shame that our kids can not have that kind of schooling. This generation needs a few "cracks", as well as love for each other, respect and caring. Good bless each of the IHM sisters, and Thank You, and we miss you all. Love Name: Keith McLiverty
Name of Sister Remembered: Sister Maria Lourdes Vanston, IHM Location Where Story Took Place: Our Lady of Mercy, Forest Hills NY Date Story Took Place: 1986 Story: It was a spring afternoon, and Jeff Conlon and I went to my house for lunch. Let me set the stage for you. I lived over 14 city blocks away from the school, and took a city bus to school and home each day. We were given a 45 minute lunch, were dismissed at 11:45 and had to be back at 12:30. Back ment in the class room and ready to learn. I usually never went home at lunch since it was far. Jeff and I went to my house this one afternoon. By the time we were at my backdoor, we walked, it was 12:10. We went in and made a few sandwiches, and stared talking. Now my dad was there, and that was a surprise. He was a policeman, so was usually working. we talked for some time with him, and left to go back to school around 12:45- 1:00 PM. We walked, time to play. As we approached the school, we started talking about how late it was and how we missed the whole first period after lunch. We thought that was funny. We had to come up with a story. Jeff had it all set. Here is what he
came up with: This sounded great. As we came up the
front stairs, approaching the two big
wooden doors, Jeff said, "Whatever you We rang the bell, I can still hear it today. A buzzing sound. A moment passed and down came Mrs. Klaum, the prinipals secretary. "A little late boys!" We went up the stairs and into Sister Marie Lourdes waiting room. Out she came. Her wide shoulders, serious face, and a index finger that was a deadly weapon in mind warfare if she pointed it at you. "Gentlemen, you are a little late!". Jeff started, went thought the whole story, the ladder, the locked out thing, the returning of the ladder. I kept my head down and my mouth shut. While Jeff was telling the story,
Sister never looked up, she was
writing the admission slips. I glanced
up, thinking "just a few more moments,
once my slip was written and I could
get to class, I would be safe." She was just about to hand Jeff his She told Jeff to go to school, and me to get into her office. I sat in this chair, cold wood, and a big seat. She went around the desk, not saying a word. She picked up the phone, it was a big black one that had a rotor dial. I still hear the ticking of the dial as she entered each number. "Mr.Mcliverty, I am here with
Keith, ..." and she proceeded to tell
him what happened, she turned away
from me so I could not hear
everything. Then she turned to me, and like a
dream, to this day I still see it,
this handset from the black phone She hung up the phone, looked at me, and said go to class. I spent each afternoon for the next two weeks cleaning erasers in the closet. And my buddy Jeff would every so often be outside the building and yell, " No sister, my father was!" Sister Maria was the best, and I think of her often. We have crossed paths at some reunions. I do not believe that each of the IHM nuns realize how oftern we speak about you, and how much of an impact you had in our lives. Thank you. Keith McLiverty PS Jeff and I are still best friends to this day. Name: Maryann Dowling Crawford
Name of Sister Remembered: Sister Marianne Addy Location Where Story Took Place: Maria Regina High School Date Story Took Place: 1971-1975 Story: Sister Marianne Addy scared the daylights out of me!! She actually expected me to do my best and I did. I was scared not to. I am now a high school Resource Room Teacher and I realize that she was the best teacher I ever saw. By accident I got her when I was in tenth grade. Sister only taught juniors and seniors, she was not happy about having a tenth grade class either!! But we learned more, read more, studied harder than we did in any other class. She was a wonderful teacher. I hope she is well. Name: Bob Casey Name of Sister Remembered: Sister Mary Patrina Location Where Story Took Place: Most Holy Rosary, Syracuse, NY Date Story Took Place: 1955 - 1956 thru '59 Story: Sister Patrina - Changed my life! She
taught - but more importantly - She
cared - and - I got it! I was a poor Name: Rosamond Rudy Name of Sister remembered: Sister Ignatius Location where story took place: Sister Ignatius was a cousin of my mother, Kathryn Loughney of Carbondale, PA. Story: the last time that I saw sister was in the Late 60's. Sister was close to my mother, Aunt and uncle. Her mother, Marie Murphy Was from Carbondale and kept in touch with the family. My mother passed away in 1971, thank you for your attention to this E-mail.
Name: Robert S. Fulwiler Name of Sister Remembered: Sister Mary Albertus (Anne Marie Fulwiler) Location Where Story Took Place: Williamsport, Penna. Story: Sister Anne served as Mother Generalate
of your order. She is currently living
in Marian Convent. Name: Lorraine Papa Name of Sister Remembered: Sister Margaret Russell Location Where Story Took Place: St. Ambrose School, Bridgeport , CT Date Story Took Place: 1955 Story: Dearest Sisters, I was a student at St Ambrose during
the 1950s and I loved all the Sisters,
but especially Sister Margaret, my I also remember Mother Elizabeth..a
marvelous woman, who radiated joy and
kindness! She was principal for about I read that dear Sister Margaret passed away last year. I am currently out of work and will send a donation in her memory as soon as I am back on my feet. Please pray with me that God leads me to the right job where I can use the gifts and talents he gave me to serve him and help others. In return, I promise to support your ministries on a monthly basis! Thank you and God bless you, Lorraine Papa Name: Edward Moran Name of Sister Remembered: Sister M. Maura, IHM Location Where Story Took Place: St. Leo's School, Ashley, Pennsylvania Date Story Took Place: 1959-1960 Story: I have many fond memories of the IHM sisters at St. Leo's, which I attended from 1953 to 1965. Sister Maura, my seventh-grade teacher, was one of my favorites. She was one of the first people who noticed that I had a flair for writing, and always encouraged me to develop my literary talents. One day, after reading one of my "paragraphs," she said, "Edward, I hope I'll be reading one of your books someday." In the little coal town that Ashley was back then, such a thing hardly seemed realistic, but her words stuck with me as I made my way to New York and to a career in writing and publishing that has since taken me around the world, from Brazil to India, from Italy to Japan, and to many places in between. I credit Sister Maura with opening up the possibility that even a youngster from a modest parochial school could become a writer. I suspect that Sister Maura has long since departed this life, but I hope that my books are deemed worthy of inclusion in some heavenly library where this dear nun can enjoy the fruits of the seeds that she once planted. Name: James Stawniczy Name of Sister Remembered: Sr. Joan McCusker Location Where Story Took Place: St. Ephrem School, Brooklyn, NY Date Story Took Place: 1984 Story: I often wonder where the old sisters who taught us are and what they are up to. I specifically remember Sr. Joan my music teacher, Sr. Marie Imeldia my social studies and religion teacher amongst others. I visit the school from time to time to say hello, or often see other sisters and teachers at Sunday mass, but some have just disappeared. If they are still alive, I wanted to say hello and thanks for a great educuation. The other sisters are: Sr. Celeste (1st grade at St. E's) Name: Chris Boegel Name of Sister Remembered: Sister Maria Thomas and Sister Carlita Location Where Story Took Place: St. Raymond, East Rockaway, NY Date Story Took Place: 1962-1970 Story: Sr. Maria Thomas taught me
the joy of singing in harmony in the boys' choir at St. Raymond's.
She was greatly admired in town for her direction of musical productions
at St. Raymond's, and most of all for directing the beautiful singing
by the boys choir at Christmas Midnight Mass, and during Holy Week
and Easter Sunday. Sister Carlita was my 6th grade teacher. She
was, like so many of the sisters, a fine teacher. She radiated beauty,
love and joy. She was very witty, and had a great sense of humor
- and I was particularly fond of her. I remember her one day talking
to us about how some things just seemed to go together perfectly,
and the example she used was pizza and beer! I hated the taste of
beer, but hearing that from Sr. Carlita made me think it had real
possibilities. As usual - she was right! God bless you and protect you. Name: John McGee Name of Sister Remembered: Sister Timothea, IHM Location Where Story Took Place: St.
Peter's Chapel School, Scranton, PA Story: Sister Timothea was my eighth
grade teacher, and I was one of the "bad" ones. It's true,
we were the bullies and the bad guys; never did homework, talked
in class and, worst of all, were sabotaging our own educations.
Like most boys in the school, I loved sports, especially football.
We played everyday in the autumn on the field above the playground
across from the school. One afternoon we had scheduled a really
big game with the public school kids from Audobon Elementary up
on Colfax Ave. But I, one of the "stars" sat desconsolately
in Sr. Timothea's after school detention for a multiplicity of offenses.
Name: Peggy Burke Gunn Name of Sister Remembered: Sr. M. Virgine Location Where Story Took Place: Most Holy Rosary; Syracuse, New York Date Story Took Place: 1947-8 Name: Francis J. Teevan Location Where Story Took Place: Maria Regina High School Date Story Took Place: 1967 to 1971 Story: Sister Edith Halligan was my music teacher at Maria Regina High School in Uniondale, New York (class of 1971). Sister Edith selected me to be the first Drum Major in the brand new marching band. We participated in several parades on Long Island and at the football games from 1967 to 1971. My favorite memories are from the Saint Patrick's
Day parade up 5th Avenue in Manhattan in 1970. Sister Edith had
a special "marching" uniform with white shoes and walked
proudly with our group. (I have the pictures to prove it) |
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