Sister M. Honor Lenihan, IHM
Sister M. Honor Lenihan, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Saturday, March 11, 2006 at Mercy Hospital in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born on July 16, 1917, in Scranton, PA, and given the name Dorothy. She was the daughter of the late Daniel and Hannah Graney Lenihan. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1939, made her temporary profession of vows on August 2, 1941, and final profession of her vows on August 2, 1944.
Sister Honor served as a teacher at the following schools: St. Leo Elementary School in Ashley, PA, from 1941 to 1942; Immaculate Conception Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1969 to 1972; Our Lady of Peace Elementary School in Clarks Green, PA, from 1972 to 1984; St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School in Archbald, PA, from 1984 to 1990; Holy Rosary Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1990 to 1996; Our Lady of Perpetual Help Elementary School in Rocky Mount, NC; and Most Holy Rosary Elementary School in Syracuse, NY; as well as at schools located in New Bern and Raleigh NC.
Sister also served as an instructor at the Educational Enrichment Institute at the IHM Center in Scranton, PA from 1996 to 2004.
From 2004 to the time of her death, Sister Honor was a prayer minister at the Marian Convent and Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton.
She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from Marywood College, and a Master of Arts degree in elementary education and administration from Duquesne University.
She was preceded in death by three brothers, William, Daniel, and John, and a sister, Rose Duffy.
She is survived by a sister, Sister M. Francis Gabriel, IHM of Scranton, PA, a sister-in-law, Mary Lenihan of Scranton, PA, and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be Tuesday, March 14 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 Monday, March 13, 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
When our heavenly Father embraced my dear sister, Sr. Honor, my mind tried to rejoice that her journey to our heavenly home had been completed and that she was finally granted eternal life. I cannot say my heart rejoiced because it ached with pain beyond description. In a feeble attempt to ease the loneliness I have focused on the beloved memories I have of my dear sister, my close friend, and my cheerful companion along the journey.
The joyful loving service that crystallizes our charism is a perfect description of Honor. Her fidelity to prayer, intense devotion to Our Blessed Mother, and her absolute trust in Divine Providence enabled her to respond whole-heartedly in prayer and deed to the need of the moment, and there were always many.
As the next family generations prepared for the reception of the sacraments, Honor was the first to include the little ones in her prayer list and to have a spiritual memento for them as a reminder of the special day. When Honor became in need of physical assistance, her graciousness never dwindled; she expressed gratitude for every act of kindness. Her “thank you,” was always the prelude to “God bless you.” These are the memories I cherish. These are the memories that energize me to continue the journey day by day.
Daily I thank God for her precious presence in my life, family, IHM Congregation, Church and the world. St. Paul tells us we are called to holiness. Honor’s faithful response to that call has merited her eternal life. The angels have led her into paradise; the saints have welcomed her; she is at home with our Heavenly Father in the new and eternal Jerusalem.
by Sister Francis Gabriel Lenihan, IHM
