Sister Maria Dolora Legnard, IHM
Sister Maria Dolora Legnard, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, died Thursday, April 5, 1984 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania, after an illness.
She was born on August 12, 1901 in Pittsburgh, PA, and given the name Anna. She was the daughter of the late Gilbert B. and Margaret Doyle Legnard. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1919, received the religious habit on December 27, 1919, and made profession of her vows on December 29, 1921.
Sister Maria Dolora served as a music and primary grade teacher at the following schools: Holy Rosary Elementary School in Scranton, PA; St. Paul Elementary School in Scranton, PA; St. Rose Elementary School in Carbondale, PA; St. Basil Elementary School in Dushore, PA; St. Bernard Elementary School in Hastings, PA; St. Mary of the Assumption Elementary School in Upper Marlboro, MD; as well as at elementary schools located in Lock Haven, PA.
Sister served as principal at St. Thomas School in Providence, RI.
In 1947, Sister Maria Dolora became administrator and superior at the then St. Joseph's Shelter on Linden Street in Scranton, PA. Later she served as dean of residence of O'Reilly Hall (now Regina Hall) at Marywood College in Scranton, PA. By most local people, however, she will be remembered as administrator of St. Joseph's Children and Maternity Hospital (now St. Joseph's Center) in Scranton, PA, where she served for fifteen years.
From 1979 until the time of her death, Sister Maria Dolora served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent.
She is preceded in death by three brothers, Frank D., Gilbert, and Robert, and a sister, Eleanor.
She is survived by sister, Sister Mary Francis, IHM, a brother, Judge James Legnard of Laguna Hills, California, several nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be Monday, April 9 with Mass of Christian Burial in the Marian Convent Chapel at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow, Pennsylvania. Friends may call at the Marian Convent Sunday afternoon or evening.
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.
