Sister M. Patrice Conlon, IHM
Sister M. Patrice Conlon, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born on January 30, 1922 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and given the name Romaine. She was the daughter of the late James P. and Bettina Joyce Conlon. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1952, made temporary profession of her vows on August 3, 1955, and final profession of her vows on August 3, 1958.
Sister Patrice served as a teacher at the following schools: St. Joseph Elementary School in Danville, PA, from 1955 to 1957; St. Rita Elementary School in Baltimore, MD, from 1957 to 1961; St. Dominic Elementary School in Oyster Bay, NY, from 1961 to 1967; Our Lady of Mount Carmel Elementary School in Asbury Park, NJ, from 1967 to 1968; St. Mary of the Mount Elementary School in Pittsburgh, PA, from 1968 to 1970; St. Aloysius Elementary School in Cresson, PA, from 1971 to 1972; St. Patrick Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1972 to 1977; St. Paul Elementary School in Cranston, RI, from 1978 to 1981; and at St. Mary Elementary School in Manhasset, NY, from 1981 to 1983.
Sister Patrice also served as a receptionist at Marywood College in Scranton, PA, from 1983 to 1986; support staff member at the Marian Convent in Scranton, PA; suport staff member at the IHM Center in Scranton, PA, from 1986 to 1992; and instructor at the IHM Educational Enrichment Institute in Scranton, PA, from 1992 to 2001.
From 2001 until the time of her death, she was a prayer minister at the Marian Convent and Our Lady of Peace Residence, both in Scranton.
She received both a Bachelors degree in education, and a Masters degree in religious studies, both from Marywood College.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Marie Walsh, Dorothy Baldere and Lucille Connors, and two brothers, James P. and Robert J.
Surviving are nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
The funeral will be Saturday, April 14 at 9:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Residence, 2300 Adams Avenue in Scranton followed by interment at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call at Our Lady of Peace Residence on Friday, April 13, between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to support the retired IHM Sisters c/o the IHM Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, Pa, 18509.
Reprinted from "In Memoriam" section of Journey, Spring 2007 issue
Sr. Patrice Conlon entered our congregation following a career in Washington, D.C. Although a few years our senior, the age difference never set her apart from her teen-age novitiate companions. Her youthful spirit, quick Irish wit, enjoyment of music, whether it be in the form of dancing or singing Irish songs, always added a special touch to the gathering of sisters and family.
During her many years in the field of education, teaching children was the light of her life. She thoroughly enjoyed having fun with her students and seized a playful opportunity to impart values of honesty, fair-play and the inclusion of all who wanted to take part. Her enjoyment of sports was contagious; wherever she was - be it Pittsburgh, New York, or Scranton - all the sisters caught “the bug.” She had them rooting, praying, crying or rejoicing for her team. Her grandnephew, Gerry McNamara, basketball star at Syracuse, headed every prayer list at Our Lady of Peace Residence: Go, Gerry, Go!
Sister’s physical infirmities never dampened her spirit. She was ready to go and have fun whenever the call came. She was loyal and supportive endearing her to family and friends. With an attentive ear she listened and with a caring heart she daily prayed for those who had made known to her their deepest concerns. Her fidelity to the rosary and devotion to Our Blessed Lord in the Eucharist was the core of her prayer life.
Sr. Patrice, we thank you for your presence among us and for the cherished memories of your loyalty, honesty, joyful service, playful spirit and passionate love for our Lord. May you enjoy the heavenly banquet. You indeed deserve eternal peace!
by Sr. M. Anine Hopkins, IHM
