Sister M. Delphine O'Dea, IHM
Sister M. Delphine O'Dea, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Wednesday, January 24, 1962 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born on November 1, 1881 in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, and given the name Lena. She was the daughter of the late Edward and Ann Shaughnessy O'Dea. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1898, received the religious habit on July 15, 1899, and made profession of her vows on July 27, 1901.
Sister Delphine served as a teacher at the following schools: St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1901 to 1906 and 1914 to 1919; St. Leo Elementary School in Ashley, PA, from 1906 to 1909; St. Rose Elementary School in Carbondale, PA, from 1909 to 1913; St. Patrick Elementary School in White Haven, PA, from 1913 to 1914; St. Cecilia Academy in Scranton, PA, from 1919 to 1930; St. Rita Elementary School in Dundalk, MD, from 1930 to 1932; St. Patrick Elementary School in Oneida, NY, from 1932 to 1938; St. Mary Elementary School in Manhasset, NY, from 1938 to 1944; St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Elementary School in Dunmore, PA, from 1944 to 1946; St. Peter of Alcantara Elementary School in Port Washington, NY, form 1946 to 1948; and Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Elementary Schoolin Forest Hills, NY, from 1948 to 1956.
Sister served as superior at the following convents: St. Rita in Dundalk, MD, from 1930 to 1932; St. Patrick in Oneida, NY, from 1932 to 1938; St. Mary in Manhasset, NY, from 1938 to 1944; and St. Peter of Alcantara in Port Washington, NY, form 1946 to 1948.
From 1956 until the time of her death, Sister Delphine served in prayer ministry at the Marian Convent.
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.
Archival Remembrance:
Sister M. Delphine O'Dea possessed a natural charm, and to this lovely person God gave many graces which adorned her soul and endeared her to all. She was an excellent teacher, capable, talented, exact, and devoted. By nature, she was neat and precise, and these qualities characterized her teaching. All her pupils extolled her for the excellent training she so generously gave them. However, it is as a sweet, gentle, holy nun that she is best remembered. Her cultured manner, her refined ways, her mild disposition, her prayerful life -- these qualities endeared her to all her Sisters. She was truly a woman of prayer, most exacting in her religious duties, always manifesting a holy respect for her Superiors. At the Marian Convent, she has left the memory of a truly consecrated nun, whose life was spent in union with God, and in thanksgiving to Him for having chosen her to be His spouse. Sister Delphine drew many souls to God. May God grant her a great harvest for His eternal keeping.
