Sister M. Evangelista Lipple, IHM
Sister M. Evangelista Lipple, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Monday, February 5, 2007 at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, PA.
She was born on July 17, 1915, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and given the name Anna Rose. She was the daughter of the late Anthony and Caroline O’Connor Lipple. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 7, 1935, made her temporary profession of vows on May 2, 1938, and her final profession of vows on August 2, 1941.
Sister Evangelista served as a teacher at the following schools: St. Mary of Mount Carmel Elementary School in Dunmore, PA, from 1938 to 1941; St. Agnes Elementary School in Baltimore, MD, from 1941 to 1945; St. Patrick Elementary School in Spangler, PA, from 1945 to 1959; St. Bernardine Elementary School in Baltimore, MD, from 1959 to 1964; St. Rose Elementary School in Carbondale, PA, from 1964 to 1971; St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Binghamton, NY, from 1971 to 1984; and at Our Lady of Peace Elementary School in Clarks Green, PA, from 1984 to 1997.
Sister also served as an assistant in the IHM Art Studio in Scranton, PA, from 1997 to 2002.
From 2002 until the time of her death, Sister Evangelista served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent and at Our Lady of Peace Residence.
She received a Bachelor’s degree in education, and a Master’s degree in education, both from Marywood College.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Catherine Lipple; and two brothers, John and Paul.
She is survived by a sister, Margaret Callahan of Springfield, VA; and a brother, Joseph of Hollidaysburg, PA; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be Friday, February 9, at 10:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Residence, 2300 Adams Avenue in Scranton. Interment will follow at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call at Our Lady of Peace Residence on Thursday, February 8, 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, Spring 2007 issue
Sr. Evangelista’s life most certainly exemplified her personal commitment “to serve in a joyful, loving, hospitable and self-emptying spirit,” as expressed in our IHM Mission Statement. There was no task too demanding or demeaning which, when she perceived the need for it, was not immediately accepted as her personal responsibility.
She recognized the “changing needs of the times” in her involvement in environmental issues thirty years ago when she lived in Binghamton. Many a stately and beautiful tree owes its present existence to her. Her students were well taught the values of conservation, and woe to the child who did not check that the faucets in the sinks and all light switches were turned off upon leaving the lavatories.
Sister’s interest in educating youth extended itself to night school for any pupil in the area who needed extra help in a grade school subject.
I think that dearest to her heart was the organizing of the “Saint Dominic Savio Club,” the object of which was to encourage children to imitate the heroic virtues practiced by that teenage saint.
It was the example of her personal life, however, that served as her best teaching tool. The lesson that remains foremost in my fourteen years association with Sister is that never once do I recall her having uttered an uncharitable word concerning any individual or situation. Her prayerful attitude, constant cheerfulness, and selfless generosity were all indications of her constant striving to be a loving Father’s faithful servant.
by Sr. Rita Lorraine Burke, IHM
