Sister M. Cornelia Tallman, IHM
Sister M. Cornelia Tallman, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on March 21, 1965.
Daughter of the late John and Mary Shea Tallman, she was born on June 27, 1883 in Binghamton, New York; and given the name Johanna (Anna) Madeline. She entered the IHM Congregation on April 7, 1902, received the religious habit on July 31, 1902, and made profession of her vows on August 2, 1904.
Sister Cornelia served as a music teacher at the following schools: St. Joseph in Williamsport, from 1904 to 1905; St. Rose in Carbondale, from 1905 to 1908; St. Leo in Ashley, from 1908 to 1909; St. Mary of the Mount in Pittsburgh, from 1909 to 1910; St. Patrick in Scranton, from 1910 to 1913 and 1926 to 1929; St. John the Evangelist in Scranton, from 1913 to 1921; St. Mary in Avoca, from 1921 to 1926; and St. Thomas Aquinas in Archbald, from 1929 to 1931.
Sister served as principal at the following schools: St. Agnes in Lock Haven, from 1942 to 1945; St. Patrick in Scranton, from 1945 to 1948; Immaculata in New York City, from 1948 to 1951; and Epiphany in Sayre, from 1951 to 1954.
She served as a teacher at the following schools: St. Joseph in Williamsport, from 1931 to 1934; St. Mary of the Mount in Pittsburgh, from 1934 to 1936; St. Ann in Scranton, from 1936 to 1937; St. Cecilia in Exeter, from 1937 to 1938; Immaculata in New York City, from 1938 to 1942; St. Agnes in Lock Haven, from 1942 to 1945; St. Patrick in Scranton, from 1945 to 1948; Epiphany in Sayre, from 1951 to 1954; All Saints in Masontown, from 1954 to 1957; Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Forest Hills, NY, from 1957 to 1958; St. Dominic in Oyster Bay, NY, from 1958 to 1959; and St. Mary in Cresson, from 1959 to 1960.
From 1960 until the time of her death, she served as a prayer minister.
She earned a Master of Music degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Interment will follow the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow, 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.
Below is an archival reflection about our Sister M. Cornelia Tallman:
Sister M. Cornelia came to our novitiate with splendid musical training which she had received at Saint Paul's School, Scranton. In the community, she continued her musical education, studying under masters, and was one of the first of our Sisters to receive a Master of Music degree from the University of Pennsylvania. The second period of her religious life was devoted to schools, both as teacher and principal. She was a thorough teacher, whether in music or in classroom. Her scholarship, her wide reading, and her art enriched many lives. She had mastered the art of good conversation, and easily held the interest of her Sister companions. The last few years of her life were clouded by illness, but she struggled to regain the strength she was so keenly aware of losing. She yearned to continue her active life, but as God's good servant, she quietly and resignedly surrendered her soul to God. May she rest in peace.
