Sister M. Josefa Connolly, IHM
Sister M. Josefa Connolly, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Wednesday, January 7, 2004 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born on December 23, 1926 in Scranton, PA, and given the name Mary Jane. She was the daughter of the late Robert John and Margaret E. Killgallon Connolly. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1944, made temporary profession of her vows on May 8, 1947, and final profession of her vows on August 2, 1950.
Sister Josefa served as a teacher at St. Rose Elementary School in Carbondale, PA, from 1950 to 1956; and Bishop O’Reilly High School in Kingston, PA, from 1970 to 1976; as well as schools located in Pittsburgh, PA and Manhasset, NY. She also served on the faculty at Marywood College in Scranton, from 1958 to 1970.
During her fifty-six years as an IHM Sister, she served as teacher, social justice advocate, and artist. Sister also served as the director of Mercy House in Albany, NY, a shelter for women in crisis, from 1978 to 1988; and director of Social Justice for the IHM Congregation for four years.
From 1994 until the time of her death, Sister Josefa served as an artist at the IHM Art Studio in the Marian Convent in Scranton.
She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from Marywood College, and a Master of Arts degree in art education from New York University.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Robert John, and three sisters, Ellen Marie (infant), Kathleen Mary Evans, and Margaret (Peggy) McGrath.
She is survived by a sister, Elizabeth Whitney of Dalton, PA, nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be Saturday, January 10 at 10:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at the IHM Center followed by interment at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call at the IHM Center on Friday, January 9 between 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
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.
