Sister M. Lucy McGrath, IHM
Sister M. Lucy McGrath, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Friday, January 13, 2012, at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, PA.
She was born on October 7, 1912, in Syracuse, NY, and given the name Mary Ann. She was the daughter of the late Patrick J. and Johanna McAuliffe McGrath. She entered the IHM Congregation on February 2, 1932, made temporary profession of her vows on August 2, 1934, and final profession of her vows on August 1, 1937.
Sister Lucy served as a teacher at the following schools: St. Matthew Elementary School in East Stroudsburg, PA, from 1934 to 1944; Sacred Heart Elementary School in Mt. Holly, NJ, from 1944 to 1950; Cathedral Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1950 to 1953; Holy Rosary Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1953 to 1956; St. Ephrem Elementary School in Brooklyn, NY, from 1956 to 1959; St. Mary High School in Manhasset, NY, from 1959 to 1971; Marywood College in Scranton, PA, from 1971 to 1973; and St. Mark's High School in Wilmington, DE, from 1973 to 1978.
Sister served as a private music instructor at St. Mary's Convent in Avoca, PA, from 1978 to 1984, and a private music/art instructor at St. John's Convent in Binghamton, NY, from 1984 to 2006.
From 2006 until the time of her death, Sister Lucy served as a prayer minister at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton.
She received a Bachelor of Science in education from Marywood College, and a Master of Fine Arts from the Catholic University of America.
She was preceded in death by three brothers, Patrick, Francis J., and John, and two infants.
She is survived by two sisters-in-law, Kathleen and Marie, both of Syracuse, NY, a dear friend, Joyce Bohannon, of Dunmore, PA, nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be Tuesday, January 17, at 11:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Residence, 2300 Adams Avenue in Scranton. Friends may call at Our Lady of Peace Residence on Monday, January 16, between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Interment will follow Mass on Tuesday 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.
Reprinted from "In Memoriam" section of Journey, Summer 2012 issue
Sister Lucy McGrath was my dearest friend and mentor through life. Her disposition—kind, gentle, filled with a love of nature—was beautifully expressed in her art. One of our greatest joys was traveling through the countryside, taking great delight in all its splendor. Sister would have me stop the car, either to snap a picture or sketch a scene. So often we would spend an afternoon so she could capture that moment in time to share with her students. Sister Lucy was a born teacher. Her students knew it and loved her. Patient and deeply devoted to their individual needs, she is remembered by many of them. Sister Lucy’s lessons began with a prayer, thanking God for the great gifts of music and art.
She moved to Our Lady of Peace in 2008 at the age of ninety-five.
Sister had one art student with whom she frequently corresponded, and who sent her art to Sister so she could critique it.
I was truly blessed to be able to spend my days with Sister Lucy. Each night before I would leave, Sister would have me adjust the blinds on
her window so she was able to look to the sky and see the stars. Now, each night I look to the sky, I see Sister Lucy soaring through the stars giving me that extra “twinkle” saying, “God loves you, Joycie.” Humble and a true example of the IHM charism — that was Sister Lucy McGrath.
by Joyce Bohannon
