Obituary

 

Sister Mary Roche, IHM

Sister Mary Roche, IHM, (formerly known as Sister M. Agatha) of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on August 26, 2004 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, PA.

Daughter of the late Thomas and Catherine Dougher Roche, she was born on June 21, 1927, in Pittston, PA. She entered the IHM Congregation on February 2, 1947 and made her temporary profession of vows on August 2, 1949 and her final profession of vows on August 2, 1952.

Sister Mary served as an elementary and music teacher at Holy Name of Jesus Elementary School in Forty Fort from 1954 to 1955; and St. Hugh Catechetical Center in Hughesville, from 1949 to 1954. She served as a junior high school teacher at St. Clare Elementary School in Scranton, from 1959 to 1960; as well as at schools located in Forest Hills, NY; LaPlata and Dundalk, MD.

Sister Mary served as a principal at the following schools: St. Joseph High School in Williamsport, from 1967 to 1969; Bishop O’Reilly High School in Kingston, from 1969 to 1978; Pocono Central Catholic High School, in Cresco from 1978 to 1979; and at Bishop Hannan High School in Scranton, from 1979 to 1986.   

Sister also served as the Archivist for Marywood University from 1986 to 2000.

From 2000 until the time of her death, she served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent in Scranton.

She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marywood College, and a Master of Education degree from Duquesne University.

She is survived by two brothers, Thomas of Endwell of NY; and John of Fenton of MI; nieces and nephews.

The funeral was Tuesday, August 31, at 9:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at the Marian Convent followed by interment at St. Catherine Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call on Monday afternoon after 2:00 p.m. at the Marian Convent.

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.