Sister M. Joel O'Rourke, IHM
Sister M. Joel O'Rourke, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Friday, May 22, 1998 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born on May 10, 1910, in Archbald, Pennsylvania, and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Anna Kelly O'Rourke. She entered the IHM Congregation on August 1, 1928, made temporary profession of her vows on April 14, 1931, and final profession of her vows on August 2, 1934.
Sister Joel served as teacher at the following schools: St. Patrick Elementary School in Spangler, PA, from 1931 to 1933; St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Bellefonte, PA, from 1933 to 1935; St. Mary Elementary School in Avoca, PA, from 1935 to 1943; St. Mary of Mount Carmel Elementary School in Dunmore, PA, from 1943 to 1945; Most Holy Rosary Elementary School in Syracuse, NY, from 1945 to 1953; St. Joseph Elementary School in Williamsport, PA, from 1953 to 1954; St. Patrick Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1954 to 1956; St. Patrick Elementary School in White Haven, PA, from 1956 to 1958; St. Ambrose Elementary School in Bridgeport, CT, from 1958 to 1964; St. Joseph Elementary School in Williamsport, PA, 1964 to 1967; St. Ephrem Elementary School in Brooklyn, NY, from 1967 to 1976; St. Mary Elementary School in Manhasset, NY, from 1976 to 1977; and St. Dominic Elementary School in Oyster Bay, NY, from 1977 to 1986.
Sister also served on the support staff of the Marywood College Library in Scranton, PA, from 1986 to 1987.
From 1987 until the time of her death, Sister Joel served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English/social studies, and a Master of Science degree in religious education, both from Marywood College.
She was preceded in death by four sisters, Mary (infant), Agnes, Bernadette, and Alice McVale, and two brothers, Daniel and Joseph.
She is survived by a brother, Gerald of Lackawanna, NY, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
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 Remembrance:
A dedicated minister of God's word, Sr. Joel O'Rourke gave loving service for 68 years as an IHM sister. Marked by a spirit of detachment and devotion to prayer, she faithfully served as an elementary teacher where she shared her gentle presence with countless numbers of children and families.
