Sister Marie Alphonse Fortunato, IHM

Sister Marie Alphonse Fortunato, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, died on Monday, October 27, 1980 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, PA.

She was born on February 16, 1892 in New York City, NY, and given the name Catherine Marie.  She is the daughter of the late Michael and Mary Elizabeth Capsci Fortunato.  She entered the IHM Congregation on March 25, 1912, received the religious habit on August 2, 1913, made first profession of her vows on July 6, 1915, and made final profession of her vows on December 8, 1930.

Early in her teaching career, Sister Marie Alphonse taught commercial subjects at Marywood Seminary, in Scranton, PA, from 1913 to 1915; and St. John the Evangelist High School in Pittston, PA, from 1915 to 1917.  She then taught intermediate grades at the following schools: St. Ceclia Elementary School in Exeter, PA, from 1917 to 1928; St. Thomas Regional School in Providence, RI, from 1928 to 1930; St. Cecilia Academy in Scranton, PA, from 1930 to 1935; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Elementary School in Ashbury Park, NJ, from 1935 to 1943; Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Elementary School in New York, from 1943 to 1945 and 1947 to 1965; St. Dominic Elementary School in Oyster Bay, NY, from 1945 to 1947; and St. Rose Elementary School in Carbondale, PA, from 1965 to 1971.   

From 1971 until the time of her death, Sister Marie Alphonse served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent.

She is survived by a sister, Frances Fasano of Cedar Knolls, NJ, and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be Thursday, October 30 at the Marian Convent, with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. with internment to follow at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow, Pennsylvania.  Friends may call at the Marian Convent Wednesday 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.