Sister M. Dolora Mullarkey, IHM
Sister M. Dolora Mullarkey, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Thursday, August 16, 2007 at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born on February 5, 1927 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and was given the name Catherine. She was the daughter of the late Patrick J. and Mary C. Scanlon Mullarkey. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1944, made temporary profession of her vows on May 8, 1947, and final profession of her vows on August 2, 1950.
Sister Dolora served as a teacher at the following schools: Sacred Heart Elementary School in La Plata, MD, from 1947 to 1950; St. Rosalia Elementary School in Pittsburgh from 1950 to 1955; St. Michael's School for Boys in Hoban Heights from 1955 to 1956; St. Thomas Elementary School in Providence, RI, from 1956 to 1957; Most Holy Rosary Elementary School in Syracuse, NY, from 1957 to 1962; St. Paul Elementary School in Cranston, RI, from 1962 to 1966; St. Matthew Elementary School in Wilmington, DE, from 1966 to 1971; Bishop Neumann High School in Williamsport from 1971 to 1972; Archbishop Neale Elementary School in La Plata, MD, 1972 to 1977; Holy Trinity Elementary School in Poughkeepsie, NY, from 1977 to 1978; St. Peter of Alcantara Elementary School n Port Washington, NY, from 1978 to 1979; St. Mary of the Assumption Elementary School in Upper Marlboro, MD, from 1979 to 1980; St. Agnes Elementary School in Baltimore, MD, from 1980 to 1986; St. Mary of Mount Carmel Elementary School in Dunmore from 1986 to 1993; St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Binghamton, NY, from 1993 to 2007.
Sister also served as an summertime instructor for the IHM Educational Enrichment Institute at the IHM Center in Scranton, PA; and support staff member at St. Joseph's Children's and Maternity Hospital in Scranton, PA.
From May 2007 until the time of her death, Sister Dolora served as a prayer minister at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton.
She received a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education, and a Master of Science degree in history, both from Marywood College.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Patrick J. and a sister, Mary.
She is survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.
The funeral will be Monday, August 20, at 11:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Residence, 2300 Adams Avenue in Scranton. Interment will follow at St. Catherine Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call at Our Lady of Peace Residence on Sunday, August 19, 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, Winter 2007 issue
On August 16, 2007, Sister Dolora truly rested in the Lord after a very difficult hospital stay of 19 days.
Sister wanted to “come home” to OLP to be with the sisters, family members and friends as she went for her final journey to meet her faithful and loving God.
Dolora was a dedicated IHM Sister, a great human being, a compassionate helper, an awesome teacher and a very faithful and helpful family member and friend.
She lived a quiet life doing her teaching throughout the school year, and, then, spent the summers as a young sister “pot walloping,” taking the physically challenged to camp for two weeks, teaching at the IHM Educational Enrichment Institute, and later on, feeding the sisters at the Marian Convent and Our Lady of Peace Residence. As bad as some parts of her were hurting, she always said she could use her hands to help! And, she did, often feeding “two at a time!”
Sister Dolora loved St. Joseph’s Children's Hospital, as it was known in its early years, and spent many summers helping with the children. Many were the stories of her life during that time! In fact, many the stories of any time she spent! Dolora was a great story teller and a brilliant historian. If asked a simple question, she would respond with a thesis!
Sister was very generous with her time and talents: decorating, knitting and making clowns for all! One summer, she contributed a handmade clown for every sister at the Marian. She also sold many and gave the proceeds to the Marian for “special events.”
Sister “D,” as she was lovingly called in her last years, became very aware of a new aspect in her life! Nature and animals showed her God’s love in a unique way, and she often said how they taught her so much more than some of the books that she had read. Their simplicity and unconditional love made her that much more aware of God and His infinite love and faithfulness.
All who knew her shall miss her wonderful spirit and friendship but are happy that she finally is at peace with no more suffering to be endured.
Well done, good and faithful servant and friend.
by Sr. Kathleen Joy Steck, IHM
