Sister M. Gonzales McGowan, IHM

Sister M. Gonzales McGowan, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Saturday, November 23, 1996 at Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania. She had the distinction of being the oldest member of the IHM Congregation.

She was born on June 8, 1893 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was the daughter the daughter of the late John and Catherine (Katie) Loftus McGowan. She entered the IHM Congregation on July 19, 1911 and made her temporary profession of vows on August 3, 1914.

Sister Gonzales served as a principal and teacher at the following schools: Laurel Hill Academy in Susquehanna, PA, from 1914 to 1925; Sacred Heart of Mary Elementary School in Jermyn, PA, from 1937 to 1942; St. Cecilia Elementary School in Exeter, PA, from 1948 to 1954; St. Mary Elementary School in Patton, PA; St. Paul School in Cranston, RI; St. Raymond School in East Rockaway, NY; as well as at school located in Pittsburgh, PA, and Manhasset, NY.

From 1971 until the time of her death, Sister Gonzales served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent.

She received a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Marywood College.

She is preceded in death by a cousin in community, Sister M. Rosa Recktenwald, IHM.

She is survived by cousins Lucille Rectenwald and Hilda McTigue, and a friend, LaVerne Wessel of Pittsburgh, PA.

The funeral will be November 26 at 10:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at the Marian Convent, followed by interment at St. Catherine Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call at the Marian Convent on Monday after 2:00 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.