Sister M. Xavier Gibbons, IHM

Sister M. Xavier Gibbons, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Saturday, July 5, 2003 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

She was born on May 12, 1912 in Pittston, Pennsylvania, and given the name Mary. She was the daughter of the late James T. and Kathryn Tighe Gibbons. She entered the IHM Congregation on February 2, 1934, made temporary profession of her vows on August 2, 1936, and final profession of her vows on August 1, 1939.

Sister Xavier served as a teacher at the following schools: St. Leo High School in Ashley, PA, from 1942 to 1946; St. John High School in Susquehanna, PA, from 1959 to 1960; Bishop O'Reilly High School in Kingston, PA, from 1969 to 1984; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Elementary School in Barnesboro, PA; as well as schools in Hollidaysburg, Pittsburgh, and Masontown, PA, La Plata, MD, and Manhasset, NY. 

From 1984 until the time of her death, Sister Xavier served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent.

She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English/history from Marywood College, and a Master of Arts Degree in administration/supervision from Fordham University.

She was preceded in death by three brothers, Reverend Paul, S.J., Reverend James, S.J., Dr. Robert, and a sister, Ruth.

She is survived by nieces and nephews, including Mrs. Donald Barnes of Potomac, MD. 

The funeral will be Tuesday, July 8 at 10:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at the Marian Convent followed by interment at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow.  Friends may call at the Marian Convent on Monday, July 7, between 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 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.