Sister M. Therese Culhane, IHM
Sister M. Therese Culhane, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Saturday, July 27, 2006 at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born on July 31, 1922, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and given the name Eleanor Ann. She was the daugther of the late Thomas A. and Martha McMunn Culhane. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1941, made temporary profession of her vows on May 8, 1944, and final profession of her vows on August 2, 1947.
Sister Therese served as a teacher at the following schools: Mount Carmel Elementary School in Altoona, PA, from 1944 to 1947; St. Mary of Mount Carmel Elementary School in Dunmore, PA, from 1947 to 1952; St. Ambrose Elementary School in Bridgeport, CT, from 1952 to 1958; St. Matthew Elementary School in East Stroudsburg, PA, from 1958 to 1959; Little Flower Elementary School in Bethesda, MD, from 1965 to 1970; St. Stephen Elementary School in New York, NY, from 1974 to 1978; Monsignor McHugh Elementary School in Cresco, PA, from 1978 to 1983; St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Binghamton, NY, from 1983 to 1988.
Sister served as principal at the following schools: St. Henry Elementary School in Gresham, OR, from 1959 to 1965 and St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Bellefonte, PA, from 1970 to 1974.
Sister Therese also served as a pastoral minister at Holy Rosary Indian Mission in Philadelphia, MS, from 1988 to 1994; instructor at the IHM Educational Enrichment Institute in Carbondale, PA, from 1994 to 1996; and sacristan at the Marian Community Hospital in Carbondale, PA, from 1996 to 2002.
From 2002 until the time of her death, Sister Therese served as prayer minister at the Marian Convent and Our Lady of Peace Residence, both in Scranton, PA.
She received a Bachelors degree in English, and a Masters degree in education, both from Marywood College.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Margaret Munley, Martha, and Elizabeth McDermott, and two brothers, Reverend Thomas, CSC, and Francis.
She is survived by a sister, Sister Marthine, IHM, of Scranton, PA, nieces and nephews including, Mary Borthwich, Mike McDermott, Alice Marie Chrystal and Patrick McDermott.
The funeral will be Tuesday, August 1 at 10:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Residence, 2300 Adams Avenue in Scranton followed by interment at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call at Our Lady of Peace Residence on Monday, July 31, between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 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.
Reprinted from "In Memoriam" section of Journey, Fall 2006 issue
Sr. Therese left this life in the same quiet, gentle manner in which she lived it. July 27 dawned as a day of sadness but also a day of joy, as Sr. Therese ended this life to begin her renewed life with the God whom she loved and served for the sixty-two years of her religious profession.
Born on July 31, 1922, in Williamsport, she was one of six children. She was proud of her brother, Father Thomas, CSC, and her sister, Sr. Marthine, IHM, both of whom entered religious life before her. Her fondness for Margaret, Martha, Elizabeth and Francis was evident in the many funny stories and loving times that she frequently recalled.
Her love for children. She served as a teacher in several elementary schools and also as principal at St. Henry’s in Gresham, Ore. and at St. John’s in Bellefonte, Pa.
Sister always found the positive qualities in her students and they could spark her sense of humor.
Starting in 1988, Sr. Therese served for six years as pastoral minister at Holy Rosary Indian Mission in Philadelphia, MS. Her untiring work to help the Choctaw people will not soon be forgotten. It was here especially that I was inspired by her endless energy and love.
On her return north she served at the Educational Enrichment Institute in Carbondale and at Marian Community Hospital. In 2002 she began her prayer ministry at the Marian Convent and later at Our Lady of Peace Residence. In her days there, she endeared herself to many.
Her witness as a faithful IHM and a loving sister to Sr. Marthine are examples to imitate and treasure.
by Sister Mary Hugh Placilla, IHM
