Sister M. Eymard Bigley, IHM
Sister M. Eymard Bigley, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on July 18, 1964, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Carbondale, Pennsylvania.
She was born on May 2, 1891 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and given the name Katherine. She was the daughter of the late Patrick and Elizabeth McBriarty Bigley. She entered the IHM Congregation in May 2, 1909, received the religious habit on August 2, 1911, and made profession of her vows on August 2, 1913.
Sister Eymard served as a teacher at the following schools: St. Rosalia Elementary School in Pittsburgh, PA, from 1913 to 1914; St. Rose Elementary School in Carbondale, PA, from 1915 to 1915; Most Holy Rosary School in Syracuse, NY, from 1915 to 1924; Sacred Heart of Mary School in Jermyn, PA, from 1934 to 1937; St. Mary Elementary School in Pittston, PA, from 1937 to 1939; St. Basil High School in Dushore, PA, from 1939 to 1944; St. Mary of the Mount High School in Pittsburgh, PA, from 1944 to 1946; Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary High School in New York, NY, from 1946 to 1954; and Holy Angels Elementary School in Pittsburgh, PA, from 1957 to 1964.
Sister served as principal at the following schools: St. Dominic High School in Oyster Bay, NY, from 1924 to 1934; Sacred Heart of Mary School in Jermyn, PA, from 1934 to 1937; St. Mary Elementary School in Pittston, PA, from 1937 to 1939; St. Basil High School in Dushore, PA, from 1939 to 1944; and Epiphany School in Sayre, PA, from 1954 to 1957.
She is surived by cousins.
Interment is 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.
Below is an archival reflection about our Sister M. Eymard Bigley:
Just a year ago, Sister M. Eymard celebrated her golden jubilee of her profession. In the celebration at the Marian Convent, she distinguished herself by her joyful spirit and her desire to share her joy with others. In September, she returned to Holy Angels Convent in Pittsburgh to continue the teaching apostolate to which she was so totally dedicated. By springtime it was evident that her strength was failing, but she bravely continued to teach until a blood clot made hospitalization necessary. At the Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Sister endeared herself to all by the same gentle, genial spirit which made her so much loved. Later, our Marian Convent gave her loving care until it was necessary to transfer her to Saint Joseph' s Hospital, Carbondale, where she died on July 18.
All who lived with our dear Sister Eymard testify to her kindly spirit and her gentle way. As a Superior, she was thoughtful and generous to her Sisters. In her public relations she brought respect and honor to her schools and her community. She strove for the best in her pupils and their progress was of deep concern to her. Sister Eymard lives in many hearts which were enriched by her goodness and kindness.
"During the summer of 1915, Reverend G. S. Mahon of Syracuse called at Mount Saint Mary's to ask for Sisters to take charge of a school in the parish of the Most Holy Rosary...
On Wednesday, September 1st, Sister M. Borgia, Sister M. Constance, Sister M. Pieta, and Sister M. Rosemary left Mount Saint Mary's for Syracuse, to open the new mission. On their arrival they were met by Father Mahon, who conducted them to the House of Providence, where they were cordially received by Sister M. Emily and her community, Daughters of Saint Vincent de Paul. Here the Sisters were to be the guests of the Sisters of Charity until such time as their own convent would be in readiness to receive them. Three days later they were joined by Sister M. Mercedes, Sister M. Gerard Slater M. Eymard, Sister M. Nazarene, and Sister M. Nazarius. Sister M. Constance was appointed superior. On Sunday, September 7th, the school office was opened for registration. Father Mahon had intended to open a grade school only, but many appeared for high school work and Father Mahon did not have the heart to send them away. The next day the school was finally opened, and the actual work begun."
Excerpted from The Sisters of the I.H.M.: The Story of The Founding of The Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Their Work In The Scranton Diocese by Sister M. Immaculata Gillespie, IHM, P.J. Kenedy & Sons, NY, 1921, pgs. 424, 425
