Sister M. Thomas Aquinas Kielceski, IHM
Sister M. Thomas Aquinas Kielceski, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Thursday, April 15, 2004, at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born on February 22, 1931, in Scranton, PA, and was given the name Dorothy. She was the daughter of the late Thomas and Mary Eva Knopka Kielceski. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1950, made temporary profession of her vows on August 2, 1953, and final profession of her vows on August 2, 1956.
Sister Thomas Aquinas served as a teacher at the following schools: Cathedral High School in Scranton, PA, from 1965 to 1968; Nativity of Our Lord Elementary School School in Scranton, PA, from 1979 to 1983; St. Paul School in Scranton, PA, from 1983 to 1984; Msgr. McHugh Elementary School in Cresco, PA, from 1990 to 2003; Our Lady of the Lake Elementary School in Verona, NJ; and Our Lady of Grace Elementary School in Greensboro, NC; as well as schools located in Pittsburgh, PA.
Sister Thomas Aquinas served as principal at St. Paul School in Scranton PA, from 1984 to 1987, and assistant principal at St. Dominic School in Oyster Bay, NY, from 1968 to 1979.
Sister also served as an instructor at the IHM Educational Institute at the IHM Center in Scranton, PA.
From 2003 until the time of her death, Sister Thomas Aquinas served as a support staff member at the Marian Convent.
She received a Bachelor of Science degree in home economics, and a Master of Science degree in English, both from Marywood College.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Joseph and Stanley, and two sisters, Helen Zlotucha and Leocadia Clarke.
She is survived by a sister, Genevieve Kurosky of Montrose, PA, and several nieces and nephews, including Sister Eva Marie Zlotucha, IHM, of Scranton, PA.
The funeral was Monday, April 19 at 10:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at the IHM Center Chapel followed by interment at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow, PA. Friends may call on Sunday afternoon or evening 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.
