Sister M. Marsia Gownley, IHM

Sister M. Marsia Gownley, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Monday, December 13, 2004, at the Marian Community Hospital in Carbondale, PA.

She was born on October 26, 1917, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and given the name Helen. She was the daughter of the late Edward and Catherine Tighe Gownley.  She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1937, made temporary profession of her vows on May 7, 1940, and final profession of her vows on August 1, 1943.

Sister Marsia served as an teacher at the following schools: St. Leo Elementary School in Ashley, PA, from 1940 to 1946; at St. Joseph Elementary School in Williamsport, PA, from 1965 to 1966; at St. Patrick Elementary School in Spangler, PA, from 1966 to 1967; St. Ambrose in Bridgeport, CT; St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Binghamton, NY; St. Ann Elementary School in Nyack, NY; and St. Raymond School in East Rockaway, NY; as well as at elementary schools located in Baltimore, MD and Brooklyn, NY.  

From 1967 until the time of her death, Sister Marsia served in prayer ministry at the Marian Covent. 

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

She was preceded in death by three brothers, Reverend Leonard, C.P., William, and James, and two sisters, Grace Gownley Gilroy and Mary Fear Wildeman.

She is survived by a brother, Attorney Robert of Scranton, PA, nieces and nephews.

The funeral will beThursday, December 16, at 9:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at the Marian Convent followed by interment at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow.  Friends may call on Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Marian Convent.

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.