Sister M. Jeanne Gallagher, IHM
Sister M. Jeanne Gallagher, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Saturday, November 16, 2013, at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, PA.
She was born on September 9, 1926, in Scranton, PA, and given the name Ann Marie. She was the daughter of the late Michael and Agnes Maloney Gallagher. She entered the IHM Congregation on July 2, 1943, and made temporary profession of her vows on May 8, 1946, and final profession of her vows on August 2, 1949.
Sister Jeanne served as a teacher in the following schools: St. Ephrem Elementary School in Brooklyn, NY, from 1946 to 1951; St. Mary of Mount Carmel Elementary School in Dunmore, PA, from 1951 to 1961; St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School in Archbald, PA, from 1961 to 1963 and 1972 to 1974; St. Peter of Alcantara Elementary School in Port Washington, NY, from 1974 to 1977; St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Clinton, MD, from 1981 to 1993; and Blessed Sacrament Elementary School in Staten Island, NY, from 1993 to 2003. She also served as an instructor at the IHM Educational Enrichment Institute at the IHM Center in Scranton, PA, from 2003 to 2008.
Sister served as principal at St. Bernardine Special Education School in Baltimore, MD, from 1963 to 1972; and at St. Clare Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1977 to 1981.
From 2008 until the time of her death, Sister Jeanne served as a prayer minister at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton.
She received a bachelor of arts degree in education from Marywood College, and a master of arts degree in special education from Cardinal Stritch University.
She was preceded in death by a brother, John, Sr.
She is survived by a sister-in-law, Mary of Westville, NJ, nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be Wednesday, November 20, at 11:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Residence, 2300 Adams Avenue in Scranton. Friends may call at Our Lady of Peace Residence on Tuesday, November 19, between 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Interment will follow Mass on Wednesday at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow, PA.
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, Spring 2014 issue
Sister Jeanne Gallagher as teacher and administrator touched the lives of thousands of young men and women. This was evident when former students kept in touch with Jeanne over the years. They would express their gratitude for her many kindnesses and encouragement to use their many talents to the best of their abilities. They would frequently invite her to come for a visit or take her out to dinner to thank her.
Jeanne served as principal of St. Bernadine Special Education School in Baltimore, MD. Tears would come to her eyes when she would talk about the students. She had such a love for them and their special needs.
Jeanne was one of the kindest Sisters that I ever lived with. When it was someone’s Jubilee, Feast Day or special celebration, Jeanne would always make sure that it was a true IHM celebration. She always gave a warm welcome to our many visitors at St. Clare’s. She truly had IHM hospitality.
Above all, Jeanne loved life. She always looked forward to visiting her brother, Johnny, and her sister-in-law, Mary in New Jersey. Her trips to Texas were always high on her list when she would travel to see her nephew, niece and grandniece, Katie.
When she moved to Our Lady of Peace Residence she brought her joyful, loving spirit with her. May she enjoy God’s light, love and presence.
by Sister Kathleen K. Kelly, IHM
