Sister M. Andre Davoren, IHM
Sister M. Andre Davoren, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, PA.
She was born on April 7, 1924 in Brooklyn, NY, and given the name Anne Teresa. She was the daughter of the late John Michael and Anna Higgins Davoren. She entered the IHM Congregation on February 2, 1943, made temporary profession of her vows on August 2, 1945, and final profession of her vows on August 2, 1948.
Sister Andre served as a teacher at St. Charles Elementary School in Sugar Notch, PA, from 1945 to 1946 and St. Matthew Elementary School in East Stroudsburg, PA, from 1946 to 1956. She served as a home economics and other high school subjects teacher at the following schools: Mother of Mercy High School in Washington, NC, from 1956 to 1959; St. Mary High School in Manhasset, NY, from 1959 to 1962; Immaculata High School in New York, NY, from 1962 to 1963; Cathedral High School in Scranton from 1963 to 1964; St. Mark High School in Wilmington, DE, from 1970 to 1972; and Maria Regina Diocesan High School in Uniondale, NY, from 1976 to 1984.
Sister Andre served as principal at the following schools: St. Ambrose Elementary School in Bridgeport, CT, from 1964 to 1970; and St. Alphonsus High School in New York, NY, from 1972 to 1976.
Sister also served as a tutor at Bishop Hoban High School in Wilkes-Barre, PA, from 1984 to 1986; and support staff member at the IHM Center in Scranton from 1986 to 2007.
From 2007 until the time of her death, Sister Andre served as a prayer minister at Our Lady of Peace Residence.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in home economics from Marywood College, and a Master of Arts in home economics education from New York University.
She was preceded in death by a brother, John H., and a sister, Mary.
She is survived by nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be Saturday, June 7, at 9:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Residence, 2300 Adams Avenue in Scranton. Interment will follow at St. Catherine's Cemetery in Moscow, PA. Friends may call at Our Lady of Peace Residence on Friday, June 6, between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 4:30 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 2008 issue
Sister Andre, the former Anne Davoren, was born to John and Anna Higgins Davoren, April 7, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York. All through her life she and her sister, Mary, and brother, Jack, were a deep support to each other. She had great pride in her brother’s three children and their families. They visited their Aunt Anne numerous times over the years. Her Irish heritage was enriched by visits to the “old sod” with her sister and friends. (We had a hard time taking her picture in front of the famous “Dirty Nellie’s pub”). Sister Andre’s Brooklyn accent would slip out every so often, claiming her early New York years.
Her home economics background could be seen in the interior design of the new St. Ambrose Convent in Bridgeport, Connecticut. As a teacher, she captivated her students, especially the boys in her “bachelors’” classes; as a principal she was loved and respected; and as a superior, she was concerned about each sister. And then there were those trips into New York City for breaks from summer university classes for the young sisters.
Sister Andre’s spiritual life was deep and quiet, with special devotions to Mary and St. Therese of Lisieux. She always had a current spiritual reading book and would love to share the new ideas she had just read.
Then there was her mystery book “lending library” and the daily crossword puzzles to keep her mind sharp.
After Sister Andre “retired” from classroom teaching, she would graciously take on new ministries as she was able. When she was ill, if asked how she was feeling today, her response would be, “ask me tomorrow.” We will always remember her when we think of coffee ice cream (defrosted a bit!) and petite lobster tails at Cooper’s.
Writing about a person you have known for forty years conjures up pictures showing a friendship deepened by conversations, travel, and shared family and community celebrations. Those of us who were privileged to know Sister Andre have these pictures, somewhat different hues, but of the same wonderful person Andre was to all of us.
Sister Andre Davoren entered into eternal life and peace June 3, 2008. Rest in peace, my friend.
by Sr. Jan Marie Kalyan, IHM
