Sister Mary Enda O'Donnell, IHM
Sister Mary Enda O’Donnell, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Tuesday, May 2, 2006 at Mercy Hospital in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born on August 7, 1936, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and given the name Madeline Cecelia. She was the daughter of the late Edward C. and Elizabeth Anne Maley O’Donnell. She entered the IHM Congregation on February 2, 1956, made temporary profession of her vows on August 5, 1958, and final profession of her vows on August 5, 1963.
Sister Mary Enda served as a teacher at the following schools: St. Patrick Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1958 to 1961 and 1986 to 2000; Hollidaysburg Catholic Elementary School in Hollidaysburg, PA, from 1969 to 1971; St. Rose Elementary School in Carbondale, PA, from 1971 to 1974; Our Lady of Peace Elementary School in Clark's Green, PA, from 1983 to 1986; St. Paul Elementary School in Cranston, RI; and Sacred Heart Elementary School in Mount Holly, NJ.
From 2000 to the time of her death, Sister Mary Enda served as an instructor at the Educational Enrichment Institute at the IHM Center in Scranton, PA.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in education, and a Master of Science degree in counselor education, both from Marywood College.
She is survived by a brother, Paul and his wife, Rose, of Williamsport, PA; a sister, Susan Bird and her husband, Richard, of Williamsport, PA; two nephews, Paul J. O’Donnell II, and Richard W. Bird II; three nieces, Kimberly Mitchell, Deborah Ottenmiller, and Crystal Kilby; grandnieces and grandnephews.
The funeral will be Friday, May 5 at 10:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at the IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue in Scranton followed by interment at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call at the IHM Center on Thursday, May 4, 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, Fall 2006 issue
Madeline O’Donnell arrived at the Motherhouse the night of February 2, 1956, after what was to become the “Band of Five” were all in bed. The bus ride from Williamsport with her mother had been long, especially with the snowstorm that had started that afternoon. She did not meet her “Band” until the next morning.
Sr. Mary Enda entered quietly and remained that way her whole religious life.
Among her many gifts were her love for teaching first grade, and her work with the elderly. She was extremely creative and found so many ways to reach the hearts and minds of the little ones. Perhaps it was her quiet, reflective nature and her playful manner that appealed to people.
There was another side to Mary Enda - her love to entertain and to play little practical jokes. She loved to make people happy. She could be generous to a fault, loved “a bargain,” and was always happy to share her gifts.
She loved her family and was loved by them in return. She appreciated kindnesses extended to her and never failed to express gratitude for those received. She had a gift for making each person feel special.
Another one of her gifts of which not too many people were aware was her gift for writing poetry. Often, she could be seen sitting, eyes closed, with a gentle smile on her face. Afterward she’d express those meditative moments in a poem but shared them with only a few. Perhaps one day some of those poems will be shared in community.
Sr. Mary Enda may have been the last to join the band - the “Enda” band - but she is the first to meet the God whom she loved so faithfully.
Rest in peace, dear friend.
by Sister Ann Berendes, IHM
