Sister M. Laurita McDermott, IHM
Sister M. Laurita McDermott, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Thursday, March 2, 2000 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born on December 4, 1917 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and given the name Rita. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Mary Clare Reardon McDermott. She entered the IHM Congregation on February 2, 1941, made temporary profession of her vows on August 2, 1943, and final profession of her vows on August 2, 1947.
Sister Laurita served as a teacher at the following schools: Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary Elementary School in Jermyn, PA, from 1946 to 1949; St. Michael's Industrial School for Boys in Hoban Heights, PA, from 1954 to 1955; Holy Name of Jesus Elementary School in Forty Fort, PA, from 1961 to 1962; St. Joseph Elementary School in Danville, PA; St. Mary Elementary School in Patton, PA; St. Joseph Elementary School in Renovo, PA; St. Peter of Alcantara Elementary School in Port Washington, NY; and St. Paul Elementary School in Cranston, RI. She also served as a teacher in schools located in Lock Haven and Pittsburgh, PA, Manhasset, NY, and Baltimore, MD.
Sister also served on the support staff of the Marian Convent, Marywood College, St. Paul Elementary School, Northern Pennsylvania Legal Services and St. Joseph's Center, all in Scranton, PA.
From 1990 to the time of her death, Sister Laurita served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent.
She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from Marywood College.
She was preceded in death by two sisters, Kathleen and Anna, and eight brothers, Charles, Charles B. Jr., Lawrence, Louis, James, Joseph, Raymond and Edward.
She is survived by a sister, Mary Sullivan of Cobb, Georgia; and nieces and nephews, including, Reverend William Sullivan, OSST of Adelphia, MD.
The funeral will be Tuesday, March 7 at 10:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at the Marian Convent, followed by interment at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call at the Marian Convent on Monday 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.
