Sister M. Anastasia Hannigan, IHM
Sister M. Anastasia Hannigan, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Thursday, February 5, 1891 at St. Cecilia's Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born on March 18, 1836 in Silver Lake, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, and given the name Catherine. She was the daughter of the late John and Catherine Donnelly Hannigan. She entered the IHM Congregation in Reading, PA, on February 9, 1860, where she received the religious habit on August 8, 1860, and made profession of her vows on August 22, 1861. Shortly after profession her vows, Sister Anastasia chose to transfer to the IHM Congregation in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Sister Anastasia lovingly served in child care for resident children at St. Patrick's Orphanage in Scranton, PA. She also served as superior and teacher at Laurel Hill Academy in Susquehanna, PA. She served as a teacher at St. Joseph Elementary School in Williamsport, PA, and at St. Patrick Parochial School in Scranton, PA.
She is survived by two brothers, William of Silver Lake Township, PA, and Maurice of Binghamton, NY, six sisters, Mary Quinn of Chenago, NY, Bridget McCormack of Brackney, PA, Sister Mary Ambrose, IHM, in West Chester, PA, Lucy O'Day of Binghamton, NY, Mother Magdalen of the Sisters of Charity in New Orleans, LA, and Margaret Donovan of Brackney, PA, nieces and nephews.
Interment is at Cathedral Cemetery in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
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.
"Catherine Hannigan, was born at Silver Lake, Susquehanna County. Like many other families in that sanctified region of the pioneer priest, Father O'Reilly, the Hannigan family was rich in vocations. Mother Anastasia's two sisters, Mother Ambrose and Mother Magdalen, also entered the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart but remained in the Philadelphia Diocese. At the time of the separation Mother Anastasia was superior at Laurel Hill Academy. Naturally she would have preferred to remain in the Philadelphia Diocese with her sisters. In her perplexity she asked the advice of Father O'Reilly. His reply was characteristic: "Mother Anastasia, remain where the Lord has placed you." She remained and never regretted her choice. God blessed her work and sent her the grace of a long and painful illness, which she endured with the spirit of a martyr. Her holy death occurred on February 5, 1891."
Excerpted from The Sisters of the I.H.M.: The Story of The Founding of The Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Their Work In The Scranton Diocese by Sister M. Immaculata Gillespie, IHM, P.J. Kenedy & Sons, NY, 1921, p 153
"The Right Reverend Bishop purchased the Kingsley property on Jackson Street and Lincoln Avenue, in the same block as Saint Patrick's Church, and erected a three-story frame building. On the lower floor were the dining-room and recreation rooms; on the second floor were the class rooms, and on the third floor the sleeping apartments. Mother Anastasia was placed in charge.
No better choice could have been made for the Superior than the gentle Mother Anastasia. She had entered the Congregation at Reading and since her entrance had held many responsible positions in the community. But her work of predilection was the care of orphans. In her the little ones found all the sympathy, love, and devotedness of a true mother. In return she was greatly beloved by them and never forgotten for her kindness."
Excerpted from The Sisters of the I.H.M.: The Story of The Founding of The Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Their Work In The Scranton Diocese by Sister M. Immaculata Gillespie, IHM, P.J. Kenedy & Sons, NY, 1921, p 152
