Sister M. Cyprian Weakland, IHM
Sister M. Cyprian Weakland, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Tuesday, April 7, 1998 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born on March 25, 1902 in Coupon, Pennsylvania, and given the name Marie. She was the daughter of the late Mark and Ida Delozier Weakland. She entered the IHM Congregation on February 2, 1920, made her temporary profession of vows on August 15, 1922, and final profession of her vows on December 8, 1930.
Sister Cyprian served as a teacher and or principal at the following: St. Joseph School in Renovo, PA, from 1922 to 1925 and 1927 to 1928; St. Patrick Elementary School in White Haven, PA, from 1925 to 1926; Immaculate Conceptionin School Lock Haven, PA, from 1926 to 1927; Mother of Mercy School in Washington, NC, from 1928 to 1929 and 1934 to 1950; St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School in Archbald, PA, from 1929 to 1934 and 1960 to 1966; All Saints School in Mastontown, PA, from 1950 to 1956; St. Mary of the Mount School in Pittsburgh, PA, from 1956 to 1960; St. Patrick School in Oneida, NY, from 1966 to 1967; St. Michael's School for Boys in Hoban Heights, PA, from 1967 to 1972; St. John School in Susquehanna, PA, from 1972 to 1977; and St. Mary Elementary School in Hollidaysburg, PA, from 1977 to 1980. She served in child care for resident children at the Catholic Child Care Center in Hollidaysburg, PA, from 1976 to 1977. She also served as the superior at St. Thomas Aquinas Convent in Archbald, PA, from 1960 to 1966.
Sister Cyprian also served as the executive housekeeper at the Marian Convent in Scranton, PA, from 1980 to 1984.
From 1984 until the time of her death, Sister Cyprian served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent.
She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Marywood College, and a Master of Arts degree in education from Villanova University.
She is preceded in death by five sisters, Edna Verchick, Pearl Luther, Ruby Bearer, Helen Link, and Clare Clawson; and four brothers, Guy, Ed, Paul and Walter.
She is survived by many nieces and nephews, including Sister Louis Marie Verchick, IHM, of Scranton, PA.
Interment will follow the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow, Pennsylvania.
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.
Archival Reflection:
From the time nearly eight decades ago when Sr. Cyprian Weakland left her home in rural Pennsylvania to become an IHM sister, she was a living witness to love of God and love of neighbor. As a principal and teacher she carried a special concern for the poor and needy. She taught thousands of children that love is the only force powerful enough to overcome poverty, injustice and racism. Her years of ministry took her to elementary and secondary schools in Pennsylvania, New York and North Carolina.
