Sister M. Alma Shelley, IHM

Sister M. Alma Shelley, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on June 14, 1976.

She was born on March 23, 1896 in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania; and given the name Emma Margaret.  She was the daughter of the late Howard N. and Anna Manning Shelley.  She entered the IHM Congregation on July 2, 1911, received the religious habit on August 2, 1912, and professed her vows on August 3, 1914.

Sister Alma served as a teacher in the following schools: St. Mary of the Mount in Pittsburgh, PA, from 1914 to 1938; Holy Angels in Hayes, PA, from 1938 to 1944; St. Mary in Manhasset, NY, from 1959 to 1960; South Scranton Catholic High School in Scranton, PA, from 1950 to 1953; and St. John in Pittston, PA, from 1963 to 1976. 

Sister Alma served as principal at the following schools: Holy Angels in Hayes, PA, from 1938 to 1944; Cathedral in Scranton, PA, from 1944 to 1950; Chapel in Scranton, PA, from 1944 to 1950; St. Mary of the Mount in Pittsburgh, PA, from 1953 to 1959; and Sacred Heat in La Plata, MD, from 1960 to 1963.

She was preceded in death by three brothers, Samuel, M. Murray, and Joseph.

She is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Donald J. Hickory of Altoona, Mrs. Chester Carles of Hollidaysburg, and Miss Harriet Shelley of Reading; nieces and nephews; grandnieces and grandnephews.

Interment will follow the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow, Pennsylvania.

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.

Sister M. Alma Shelley, IHM
photo taken in Pittsburgh, PA