Sister M. Nora Clarke, IHM
Sister M. Nora Clarke, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Thursday, November 26, 2009 at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born on November 10, 1917, in Scranton, PA, and given the name Eileen. She was the daughter of the late Thomas and Norah Nealon Clarke. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1935, made temporary profession of her vows on May 2, 1938, and final profession of her vows on August 2, 1941.
Sister Nora served as an educator and administrator in Catholic schools for more than fifty years. She served as a teacher in the following schools: St. Agnes Elementary School in Lock Haven, PA, from 1938 to 1945; St. Paul High School in Scranton, PA, from 1945 to 1959; and St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Binghamton, NY, from 1980 to 1996.
Sister served as principal at the following schools: St. Mary Elementary School in Goldsboro, NC, from 1959 to 1962; St. Rita Elementary School in Baltimore, MD, from 1962 to 1964; St. Ephrem Elementary School in Brooklyn, NY, from 1974 to 1978; and St. Agnes Elementary School in Baltimore, MD, from 1978 to 1980.
Sister Nora also served the IHM Congregation in Scranton, PA, as an education consultant from 1964 to 1968, and as a sector superior (leadership team member) from 1968 to 1974.
Sister served as a prayer minister at St. John the Evangelist Convent in Binghamton, NY, from 1996 to 2008, and at Our Lady of Peace Residence, from 2008 until the time of her death.
She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in education, and a Master of Arts degree in education, both from Marywood College.
She is preceded in death by two sisters, Mary L. and Veronica O’Donnell.
She is survived by a brother, Monsignor James T. of Scranton, PA, a sister, Norah J. Tierney of Rochester, NY, nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be Tuesday, December 1, 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, November 30, between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 4:30 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, Spring 2010 issue
A blithe and generous nature,
A benevolent spirit too...
These are the gifts that good Saint Patrick has surely given you.
Many years ago we read this statement: A woman who knows that she is loved is always a woman of grace and charm.
Our Sister Nora’s long and beautiful life reflects this statement. She grew up in a loving home, and when she entered the novitiate of the Immaculate Heart Sisters she brought with her the joy and love which characterized her family life.
Sister Nora used her gift of teaching and love of education throughout her life. I wish to include one teacher’s message to her before she left Binghamton for OLP. “I just want to let you know that you have made a huge impact on my life. Your support, guidance and encouragement during the past twenty-four years have helped shape me into the teacher I am today. Your gentle, loving spirit has been and continues to be an example of how I try to be within my classroom. I thank you for all you have given me.”
Sister held many responsible positions in the course of her community life: teacher, principal, supervisor of schools and membership on the council of the IHM Congregation. She brought a lightness of heart as well as affection for all who crossed her path, including pastors, parish priests, sisters in community life, children she so enthusiastically taught, lay teachers, school staffs and people in the parish communities where she ministered.
In all her contacts, Sister Nora had a way of reaching out and touching hearts!
by Lillian Farrell, IHM and Annellen Kelly, IHM
