Sister M. St. Paul Cafferty, IHM
Sister M. St. Paul Cafferty, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Friday, January 11, 2013, at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, PA.
She was born on May 3, 1921, in Scranton, PA, and given the name Josephine Romaine. She was the daughter of the late Michael and Catherine Kinsella Cafferty. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1944, and made her temporary profession of vows on May 8, 1947, and her final profession of vows on August 2, 1950.
Sister St. Paul served as a nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Carbondale, PA, from 1947 to 1953 and 1955 to 1959; St. Joseph’s Center in Scranton, PA, from 1953 to 1955; Marian Convent in Scranton, PA, from 1959 to 1968 and 1989 to 1995; and Misericordia Hospital in New York, NY, from 1968 to 1984.
Sister also served on the faculty in the Nursing Department of Marywood College in Scranton, PA, from 1969 to 1970. She was nursing supervisor at St. Agnes Hospital in White Plains, NY, from 1984 to 1988, and at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY, from 1988 to 1989.
She then served on the support staff at the IHM Center in Scranton, PA, from 1995 to 2008.
From 2008 until the time of her death, Sister St. Paul was a prayer minister at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton.
She received a nursing diploma from the School of Nursing of the Scranton State Hospital; a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Marywood College; and a Master of Science in Nursing degree from Catholic University of America.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Mary Cavanaugh, Catherine Mahoney and Rita McKenna.
She is survived by two sisters, Betty O’Halloran of Menlo Park, CA, and Alice McGraw of Honesdale, PA.
The funeral will be Friday, January 18, at 11:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Residence, 2300 Adams Avenue in Scranton. Friends may call at Our Lady of Peace Residence on Thursday, January 17, between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Interment will follow Mass on Friday at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow, PA.
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, Spring 2013 issue
Whatever you do for others you do for me. -Matthew 25:40
Sister St. Paul was an “extraordinary” religious woman. She lived a long life, 66 years as a religious sister, and was a true witness
to the above quote.
In her dedicated life sister found ministry as an opportunity to live life to its fullest meaning. In serving the sick, the wounded, the poor and needy she brought healing and comfort. Her wisdom, diagnosing, and understanding were trademarks and gifts received and revered by doctors, nursing staff, and especially patients. Her dedication and loving service was shared by the many she served.
Sister entered the convent in 1944 when she was a registered nurse. Her career in nursing allowed her to serve in many challenging
and diverse positions. When assigned to ministry at the Marian Convent, her nursing ability was deeply appreciated by the medical staff as well as the nursing personnel. She contributed and shared her knowledge and experience with everyone. Sister also had a wonderful sense of humor and truly enjoyed connecting with people. Her love and dedication to community was everlasting. May she now rest in peace and may Our Lady be with her always.
by Sister Carleen Boelhert, IHM
