Sister Mary Luke Smith, IHM
Sister Mary Luke Smith, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Wednesday, February 25, 1959 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Daughter of the late William G. and Jessie Bell Smith, she was born on September 19, 1905 in Buffalo, New York; and given the name Clare. She entered the IHM Congregation on April 2, 1925, received the religious habit on August 15, 1925, and made profession of her vows on August 15, 1927.
Sister Mary Luke served as a teacher at the following elementary schools: St. John in Pittston, in 1927; St. John in Susquehanna in 1928; St. Ann in Scranton, from 1928 to 1929; St. Patrick in Scranton, from 1929 to 1930; St. John in Scranton, from 1930 to 1932; St. Cecilia in Exeter, from 1932 to 1936; Mother of Mercy in Washington, NC, from 1936 to 1937; St. Joseph in New Bern, NC, from 1937 to 1955; and St. Agnes in Baltimore, MD, from 1955 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 a brother, W. Robert.
Interment will follow the Mass of Christian burial 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.
Below is an archival reflection about our Sister Mary Luke Smith:
Sister Mary Luke died on February twenty-fifth, after thirty-two years of devoted generous service in her apostolate of teaching. Sister entered from Buffalo, New York, and for nine years taught in schools of the Diocese of Scranton. In 1936, she was assigned to Mother of Mercy School, Washington, North Carolina, and the following year was transferred to St. Joseph's School, New Bern. For nineteen years, she valiantly strove to increase the "colored harvest" in North Carolina. Besides, she zealously and whole-heartedly devoted herself to the children at the Lejeune Marine Base in that state. In her efforts to instruct and to convert in her difficult field, she rose above ill health and its accompanying weakness. She won the esteem of all for her example of devotion to duty in spite of grave sickness. Several months of severe illness prepared her for God's summons. God rest her soul and grant her His eternal reward.
