Obituary

 

Sister M. Gerlinda Griffin, IHM

Sister M. Gerlinda Griffin, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Saturday, November 12, 2005, at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

She was born on September 27, 1922 in Scranton, PA, and given the name Marion. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Helen Smith Griffin.  She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1939, made temporary profession of her vows on May 8, 1942, and her final profession of vows on August 2, 1945.

Sister Gerlinda served as a teacher at the following schools: St. Mary Elementary School in Avoca, PA, from 1942 to 1943; Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Elementary School in New York, NY, from 1943 to 1945; St. Mary of the Mount Elementary School in Pittsburgh, PA, from 1945 to 1949; St. Agnes Elementary School in Baltimore, MD, from 1949 to 1951; St. Leo Elementary School in Ashley, PA, from 1951 to 1952; St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School in Archbald, PA, from 1952 to 1953; Most Holy Rosary Elementary School in Syracuse, NY, from 1953 to 1954; All Saints Elementary School in Masontown, PA, from 1954 to 1955; Holy Name of Jesus Elementary School in Forty-Fort, PA, from 1955 to 1968; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Elementary School in Asbury Park, NJ, from 1968 to 1969; St. Dominic Elementary School in Oyster Bay, NY, from 1969 to 1981; Notre Dame Elementary School in East Stroudsburg, PA, from 1981 to 1984; and St. Rose Elementary School in Carbondale, PA, from 1984 to 1994.

At the IHM Center in Scranton, PA, she also served as an instructor at the Educational Enrichment Institute from 1994 to 2001 and receptionist, from 2001 to 2002. She then served as a member of the support staff at the Marian Convent in Scranton, PA, from 2002 to 2004.

From 2004 until the time of her death, Sister Gerlinda served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent.

She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in education, and a Master of Science degree in education, both from Marywood College.

She is preceded in death by two brothers, Gerald and Joseph, and a sister, Margaret Lavin.

She is survived by a brother, Charles of Clarks Summit, PA, a sister, Eleanor Dipple of Gouldsboro, PA, nieces and nephews.

The funeral was Thursday, November 17 at 10:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at the Marian Convent followed by interment at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call at the Marian Convent on Wednesday afternoon or evening.

Memorial contributions may be made to support the retired IHM Sisters c/o the IHM Sisters Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.


Reprinted from "In Memoriam" section of Journey, Winter 2006 issue 

Sr. Gerlinda Griffin was graced by God with a love and concern for those to whom she was called to minister. Throughout her many years of joyful service she reached out in a special way to children, our elderly sisters and to the priests with whom she worked.

While teaching the boys at St. Michael’s in Hoban Heights, it was known to all that she was committed to the development of the whole person. Her daily devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, her gift to successfully motivate students to study and her personal ministry of providing them with basic material needs called forth love and respect from her students. Many years after having completed her ministry at St. Michael’s she continued to hear wonderful success stories from her former students accompanied with notes of sincere gratitude for her presence in their lives.

After having served several years in formal education, Sister continued to minister to children enrolled in our Educational Enrichment Institute at the IHM Center. Her classes were enriched by her use of attractive and meaningful learning activities. Once again she won the hearts of her students.

Prior to her retirement, Gerlinda served as a gracious companion to resident sisters at the Marian Convent as they went here and there for appointments. She not only accompanied them but she listened to their stories and responded to their needs to the best of her ability. Sister Gerlinda had a special place in her heart for priests. Her prayers, words of encouragement and her support of their parish activities endeared her to the hearts of many. This was made evident by their presence at her Mass of Resurrection.

Recognizing that she has completed her journey home to our Heavenly Father, we rejoice knowing that she is comfortable and at peace in the presence of our God to whom she rendered joyful, loving service.


by Sr. Daniela McCarthy, IHM