Sister M. Catherine Ambrose, IHM
Sister M. Catherine Ambrose, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Thursday, August 22, 1996 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born on June 13, 1912 in Vanderbilt, PA, and given the name Rose Marie. She was the daugher of the late James William and Anna T. Grasinger Ambrose. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1931, made her temporary profession of vows in April of 1932, and her final profession of vows in April of 1934.
Sister Catherine served as a teacher at the following schools: St. John Elementary School in Cresson, PA, from 1935 to 1936; St. Peter of Alcantara Elementary School in Port Washington, NY, from 1935 to 1936; St. Michael's Industrial School for Boys in Hoban Heights, PA, from 1936 to 1941; St. Basil Elementary School in Dushore, PA, from 1941 to 1945; St. Francis Elementary School in Munhall, PA, from 1945 to 1946; St. Rosalia Elementary School in Pittsburgh, PA, from 1946 to 1950 and 1974 to 1980; Holy Angels Elementary School in Hayes, PA, from 1950 to 1954; St. Mary of the Mount Elementary School in Pittsburgh, PA, from 1954 to 1959 and 1971 to 1974; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Elementary School in Altoona, PA, from 1959 to 1960; St. Joseph Elementary School in Renovo, PA, from 1960 to 1961; St. Joseph Elementary School in Williamsport, PA, from 1961 to 1964; All Saints Elementary School in Masontown, PA, from 1964 to 1971; St. Raphael Elementary School in St. Petersburg, FL, from 1980 to 1982; and Our Lady of Mercy Elementary School in Forest Hills, NY, from 1987 to 1990.
Sister Catherine also served as a receptionist at Our Lady of Grace Center in Manhasset, NY, from 1982 to 1983; and at Marywood College in Scranton, PA, from 1983 to 1987.
From 1990 until the time of her death, Sister Catherine served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent.
She received a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Marywood College.
She was preceded in death by three brothers John Thomas, James William, and Robert Vincent, and a sister, Anna Margaret McCann.
She is survived by a sister, Julia "Jewel" T. Haas, of Pittsburgh, PA; nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be Monday with Mass of Christian Burial at the Marian Convent at 10:30 a.m., followed by interment at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call on Sunday at the Marian Convent 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.
Archival Remembrance:
Sister Catherine Ambrose is remembered for her full and selfless heart. With deep affection for her students Sister Catherine taught primary subjects and music in the following elementary schools, she served joyfully as an IHM sister for 62 years. In retirement she continued touching hearts with compassion and deep concern for each person while she served as a prayer minister.
