Sister M. Roberta Condon, IHM
Sister M. Roberta Condon, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on October 27, 1963 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born on October 22, 1878 in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, and given the name Elizabeth. She was the daughter of the late John and Mary Fitzgerald Condon. She entered the IHM Congregation on May 10, 1899, received the religious habit on April 16, 1900, and made profession of her vows on April 1, 1902. She graduated with a degree in music from the University of Pennsylvania.
Sister Roberta served as a music teacher at the following schools: St. Rose Elementary School in Carbondale, PA, from 1902 to 1903; St. Cecilia Academy in Scranton, PA, from 1903 to 1915; St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Bellefonte, PA, from 1920 to 1924; St. Ann's Catechetical Center in Devon, CT, from 1943 to 1953; and St. Leo Elementary School in Ashley, PA, from 1953 to 1957.
While at Marywood College in Scranton, PA, she served as the head of the music department, and as a music teacher, from 1915 to 1920.
Sister served as principal at the following schools: St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Bellefonte, PA, from 1920 to 1924; St. Rosalia School in Pittsburgh, PA, from 1924 to 1925; St. Joseph School in Williamsport, PA, from 1925 to 1928; Most Holy Rosary School in Syracuse, NY, from 1928 to 1934; St. Mary of the Mount School in Pittsburgh, PA, from 1934 to 1936; and St. Michael's Industrial School in Hoban Heights, PA, from 1936 to 1943.
From 1961 until the time of her death, Sister Roberta served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent.
She is preceded in death by a sister, Agnes Regina Sheehan.
She is survived by nieces and nephews.
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 Reflection:
Sister M. Roberta Condon was doubtless one of our best known and most loved Sisters. Her very pleasing character attracted her to all; her never-failing interest in community life, and her generosity in her labor for the community, endeared her to all who came in contact with her. Always, she was a perfect lady; she could grace any occasion; she was always an interested and interesting person. Her wide reading and her splendid conversation made her a much-desired companion. No conversation or recreation could be dull when Sister Roberta was present. Her talk was informing, pleasant, and cultured, and her keen sense of humor could enliven the most solemn occasion. God was good to Sister Roberta, and she gave back to Him all her gifts by generously serving Him in all the opportunities His divine providence opened to her.
Music was Sister Roberta's professional field, and she made it a true apostolate. She was able to inculcate in others some of her own love and appreciation of music, and to make it a life-long treasure to be used and cherished. She was one of the first Sisters to obtain degrees in music, after completing her studies at the University of Pennsylvania. She served as head of the music department at Marywood College. Her community assignments were so varied that she had experience as teacher, principal and superior in elementary schools, high schools, academies, college, catechetical centers, and in social service. Everywhere she represented our Community with dignity, charm, and the ability which made her so much loved and admired. May she rest in peace.
