Sister M. Yolanda Bravin, IHM
Sister M. Yolanda Bravin, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Thursday, May 23, 1996.
She was born on April 2, 1912 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and was given the name Mary. She was the daughter of the Louis and Tecla Mellosso Bravin. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1934, made her temporary profession of vows on May 3, 1937 and her final profession of vows in August 1940.
Sister Yolanda served as a teacher at the following schools: St. Rosalia Elementary School in Pittsburgh, PA; St. Basil Elementary School in Dushore, PA; St. Leo Elementary School in Ashley, PA; Archbishop Neale Elementary School in La Plata, MD; St. Bernardine Elementary School in Baltimore, MD; St. John Elementary School in Pittston, PA; St. Paul Elementary School in Cranston, RI; St. Rita Elementary School in Dundalk; and Lock Haven Catholic Elementary School in Lock Haven, PA.
From 1987 until the time of her death, Sister Yolanda served as prayer minister at the Marian Convent.
She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education, and a Master of Science degree in education, both from Marywood College.
She is survived by three sisters, Rose Bravin and Evelyn Rito of Altoona, PA; Yolanda Ciampoli of Norfolk, VA; a brother, Edward of Altoona, PA; and several nieces and nephews.
Interment is 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.
Archival Remembrance:
The gentle presence of Sr. Yolanda Bravin was a gift of loving support to the many people she encountered in her life. Even during her final illness, she taught all how profoundly she had taken into her being the spirit of Teresa of Avila's words, "Let nothing disturb you ... all things are passing. God alone suffices." Through her years of ministry, Sr. Yolanda combined the skills of a gifted teacher and her boundless patience to hundreds of students and their families. Her ministry as an educator took her to Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Rhode Island.
