Sister M. Robertus Mullen, IHM
Sister M. Robertus Mullen, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Thursday, June 21, 2007, at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born on November 6, 1924 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and given the name Jane. She was the daughter of the late Robert and Kathryn Murphy Mullen. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1943, made temporary profession of her vows on May 8, 1946, and final profession of her vows on August 15, 1949.
Sister Robertus served as a teacher at the following schools: Cathedral Chapel Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1946 to 1950; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Elementary School in Asbury Park, NJ, from 1950 to 1951; St. Mary of the Mount Elementary School in Pittsburgh, PA, from 1951 to 1953; St. Joseph Elementary School in Williamsport, PA, from 1953 to 1954; St. Bernardine Elementary School in Baltimore, MD, from 1954 to 1960; Archbishop Neale Elementary School in La Plata, MD, from 1960 to 1964; Epiphany Elementary School in Sayre, PA, from 1964 to 1968; Immaculate Conception Elementary School in Pittston, PA, from 1968 to 1969; St. Patrick Elementary School in Scranton from, PA, 1969 to 1970; St. Charles Borromeo Elementary School in Sugar Notch, PA, from 1970 to 1971; Sacred Heart of Mary Elementary School in Jermyn, PA, from 1971 to 1974; St. Leo Elementary School in Ashley, PA, from 1974 to 1982; and Wyoming Area Catholic Elementary School in Wyoming, PA, from 1982 to 1984.
Sister also served on the support staff of the Marian Convent, from 1984 to 1990. At the IHM Center in Scranton, PA, she served on the support staff, and as an instructor at the Educational Enrichment Institute, from 1990 to 1999.
From 1999 until the time of her death, Sister Robertus served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent and at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, PA.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in education, and a Master of Science degree in education, both from Marywood College.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Robert and three sisters, Agnes Mangan, Margaret, and Sister M. Adele, IHM.
She is survived by several nieces and nephews, including a niece, Jayne Blair of Buck Hill Falls, PA.
The funeral will be Tuesday, June 26 at 10:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Residence, 2300 Adams Avenue in Scranton. Interment will follow at St. Catherine Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call at Our Lady of Peace Residence on Monday, June 25, between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
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 2007 issue
Remembering Sister Robertus:
What a gift Sister Robertus Mullen was and is to the I.H.M. Congregation and to the world around her! She was truly a blessing to all with whom she came in contact. Her very dear friends are aware of her beautiful poetic mind, however due to her simplicity, this gift was not evident to all. Her life was filled with goodness and I am certain an uncharitable word never passed her lips. No on could live with sister without being aware of her beauty and wit. She had a wonderful sense of humor. In community she was joyful. always having a story to tell -- generally about herself, which gave everyone a good laugh.
Having lived with Sister Robertus I can attest to her spirit of life which she conveyed beautifully. This joyful sharing with us came from her acceptance of herself. In addition it resulted in her love of community life, family, friends and acquaintance. Many entertaining stories could be told; many beautiful poems could be printed. Those of us who are privileged to have lived with Sister have these memories carved in our hearts.
May Robertus dwell in her heavenly home entertaining the Celestial Court with her simplicity, wisdom, and wit. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the precious gift of her presence and we ask that you grant her eternal life!
by Sister M. St. Mel Wright, IHM
