Sister M. Clarencia Bird, IHM

Sister M. Clarencia Bird, IHM,  of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Tuesday, December 22, 1998 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

She was born on May 19, 1910 in Scranton, PA, and given the name Anna M.  She was the daughter of the late Patrick F. and Winifred Flynn Bird.  She entered the IHM Congregation on August 14, 1926, made temporary profession of her vows on January 2, 1929, and final profession of her vows on August 2, 1932.

Sister Clarencia served as a teacher at the following schools: St. John Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1929 to 1933; St. John High School in  Pittston, PA, from 1944 to 1948; South Scranton Catholic High School in Scranton, PA, from 1948 to 1950; and Holy Rosary High School in Scranton, PA, from 1953 to 1959; St. Dominic High School in Oyster Bay, NY; Maria Regina High School in Uniondale, NY; as well as at schools located in Altoona and Pittsburgh, PA; and Manhasset, New York. She also served on the support staff at Marywood College in Scranton, PA, from 1975 to 1983.

From 1983 until the time of her death, Sister Clarencia served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent.

She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English/French, and a Master of Arts degree in English, both from Duquesne University.

She was preceded in death by three sisters, Ruth Horan, Blanche Raemer and Winifred Lynott; and five brothers, Carl, Thomas, John, Paul and Francis.

She is survived by many nieces and nephews, including Sister M. Carlita Bird, IHM of Scranton. She is also survived by Sister M. Greta Collins, IHM.

The funeral will be Monday, December 28 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 Sunday 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.