Sister Mary Justitia Downes, IHM

Sister Mary Justitia Downes, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, died Thursday, August 9, 1984 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania, after an extended illness.

She was born on April 15, 1893 in Birmingham, England, and given the name Marie Gertrude. She was the daugther of the late John and Alice Howard Downes.  She entered the IHM Congregation on January 7, 1916, received the religious habit on August 2, 1916, and made profession of vows on August 5, 1918.

During her long teaching career, Sister Mary Justitia taught English and French at the following schools: Holy Rosary High School in Scranton, PA; Marywood College in Scranton, PA; St. John the Evangelist High School in Pittston, PA; West Side Catholic High School in Kingston, PA; Most Holy Rosary High School in Syracuse, NY; and Central Catholic High School in Portland, OR.

She is survived by a sister, Lucie Downes of Daly City, CA, and cousins.

The funeral will be Saturday, August 11 with Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in the Marian Convent Chapel. Interment will follow at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow, Pennsylvania. Friends may call at the Marian Convent Friday afternoon or evening.

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.