Sister M. Jovita Loomis, IHM
Sister M. Jovita Loomis, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Thursday, April 16, 1959 at St. Ephrem's Convent in Brooklyn, New York.
She was born on August 17, 1886 in Brooklyn, New York, and given the name Lillian Elizabeth. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Mary E. O'Grady Loomis. Before entering the congregation, she served as teacher in New York City Public Schools. She entered the IHM Congregation on February 19, 1925, received the habit on August 15, 1925, and made profession of her vows on August 15, 1927.
Sister Jovita served as a teacher at the following: St. Paul Elementary School in Providence, RI, from 1927 to 1934 and 1953to 1953; St. Ann Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1934 to 1938; St. Peter of Alcantara Elementary School in Port Washington, NY, from 1938 to 1953; and St. Ephrem Elementary School in Brooklyn, NY, from 1954 until the time of her death.
She was preceded in death by three brothers, Harry J., Robert, and Alfred.
She is survived by nieces and nephews.
Interment is 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.
Archival Remembrance:
The gentle soul of our beloved Sister M. Jovita peacefully went to God on April sixteenth. She has been in waning health for some time; but had insisted on continuing her school work. On the Monday before her death, she did not feel able to go to school. Arrangements had been made for Sister to go to the hospital; but her doctor decided that medication was necessary before her hospitalization. God called her quite unexpectedly, a few moments after she had been talking to one of the Sisters at St. Ephrem's Convent. Sister Jovita taught in the public schools in New York City and in our parish schools. She was beloved by her Sisters and pupils, for her gentle, humble manner endeared her to all.
