Sister M. Juliette Flannery, IHM
Sister M. Juliette Flannery, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Sunday, February 12, 2006 at the Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born on November 26, 1916 in Pittston, PA, and given the name Catherine Anne. She was the daughter of the late James and Anna V. Tigue Flannery. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1934, made temporary profession of her vows on May 3, 1937, and final profession of her vows on August 1, 1940.
Sister Juliette served as a teacher at the following schools: St. Charles Elementary School in Sugar Notch, PA, from 1942 to 1945; Pocono Catholic Elementary School in Cresco, PA, from 1963 to 1964; St. Paul Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1978 to 1983; Nativity of Our Lord Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1983 to 1988; and at Wyoming Area Catholic Elementary School in Exeter, PA, from 1988 to 1990.
Sister served as principal at the following schools: St. Agnes Elementary School in Lock Haven, PA, from 1955 to 1957; St. Patrick Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1973 to 1978; St. Ann Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1970 to 1973; and St. Paul Elementary School in Cranston, RI. She also served as teacher and principal in schools located in Wilmington, DE; and Brooklyn, NY.
From 1993 until the time of her death, Sister Juliette served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent and Our Lady of Peace Residence, both in Scranton.
She received a Bachelor of Music degree from Marywood College, and Master of Science degree in administration from Rhode Island College.
She was preceded in death by a brother, James, Jr., and two sisters, Mary Nolan and Helen.
She is survived by a niece, Mary Flannery of Caldwell, NJ; niece and husband, Grace and Tim Kerrigan of Caldwell, NJ; niece and husband, Anne and Don Reeves of Scotch Plains, NJ; nephew and wife, James and Mary Ellen Flannery of Caldwell, NJ; great-nieces and great-nephews.
The funeral will be Thursday, February 16 at 10:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at the IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue in Scranton followed by interment at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call at the IHM Center on Wednesday, February 15, between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 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.
Reprinted from "In Memoriam" section of Journey, Fall 2006 issue
Sr. Juliette was superior in St. Paul’s Convent at a time when she also held the duties of treasurer and many other convent-related responsibilities. She was a quiet, gentle and hard working Sister who found time to work, pray and also have fun. She also always enjoyed and shared visits with her good friend, Sr. Dorinda.
As principal in St. Paul’s School, she encouraged and guided us in our academic goals. In the office, in precomputer days, she was her own secretary. I enjoyed, and she graciously appreciated, my typing and assisting with jobs after school.
I had many encounters with Sr. Juliette as we both assumed weekend home ministry responsibilities due to our ailing siblings. Our paths generally crossed at the bus station in front of the Globe Store.
In my volunteer work at the Marian Convent, I met Sr. Juliette in her early days there as a resident. She loved to walk the hall and visit the sisters along the way.
My last memories of Sr. Juliette, who was no longer walking or talking, were of feeding her while she sat quietly in her chair. Each day became progressively more difficult for her but I cherish the memory of her beautiful smile and expression of gratitude for the least bit of assistance.
It is also a great privilege to be seeing the same generous smile and silent “thank you” as I talk to and feed Sr. Juliette’s dear friend, Sr. Dorinda, who is a resident at Our Lady of Peace Residence. In talking to her about Sr. Juliette’s visits to her in Poughkeepsie, I am not sure she understands, but I think it is worthwhile to remind her of their special friendship over the years.
by Sr. Dolora Mullarkey, IHM
