Sister M. Agnese LaVoie, IHM
Sister M. Agnese LaVoie, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on October 27, 1964 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born on May 5, 1886 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and given the name Adeline. She was the daughter of the late Thomas E. and Saraphine (Sarah) Thouvenot LaVoie. She entered the IHM Congregation on March 24, 1905, received the religious habit on August 15, 1905, and made profession of her vows on July 16, 1907.
Sister Agnese served as a teacher at the following schools: Holy Rosary Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1906 to 1917; St. Bernard Elementary School in Hastings, PA, from 1917 to 1920; St. Leo Elementary School in Ashley, PA, from 1920 to 1921; Most Holy Rosary Elementary School in Syracuse, NY, from 1921 to 1924; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Elementary School in Altoona, PA, from 1924 to 1928; Holy Rosary High School in Scranton, PA, from 1928 to 1936; St. Joseph High School in Renovo, PA, from 1936 to 1942; St. Patrick High School in Olyphant, PA, from 1943 to 1945; and St. John the Evangelist High School in Pittston, PA, from 1945 to 1957.
From 1957 until the time of her death, she served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent.
She was preceded in death by four sisters, Mary, Florence, Sarah Elizabeth Brown, Anita, and a brother, Edward.
She is survived by four sisters, Marie (Mabel) Stanaska-Sodaro, Imelda Lucille Chaapel, Isable Myers, and Bernardine Fessler, and a brother, Thomas, 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:
Sister Agnese Lavoie gave over fifty years of dedicated service in our schools. She was a devoted teacher, greatly loved by her students. A few days after her reception of the habit, she was assigned to teach in the so-called "pay" school at Holy Rosary Parish, Scranton. Eleven years later she carried her good work to Hastings, to Ashley, to Syracuse, and lately to Saint John's, Pittston. For many years, she suffered acutely from crippling and progressive arthritis. Using her hands and feet was a very painful experience, but she struggled valiantly until her crippled, aching hands could no longer serve her needs in the classroom.
Sister Agnese was unusually successful in making herself beloved by her students. Her devotion to them both in school and in later life made her fondly remembered. She was concerned about their higher education and about the positions they secured. They were fully convinced that she had their interests at heart and that they had her prayers and good wishes.
At the Marian Convent, Sister was happy and generous who did much to help those less able than herself. Even her last night on earth, she cheered those around her by her news reports and by helping others in the details of eating their supper. God's call came to her when she was along. She loved life. Well may we pray that God will grant her the eternal life He has promised to those who served Him well.
