Sister M. Scholastica Chainey, IHM

Sister M. Scholastica Chainey, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Sunday, May 9, 1982 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania, after an extended illness.

She was born on February 16, 1893 in Michigan, and given the name Emily.  She was the daughter of late Benjamin and Emilia Curtis Chainey. She received her education from the Sisters of IHM at the IHM Academy in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and graduated in 1909.  She entered the IHM Congregation at Marywood College in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on September 19, 1910, received the religious habit on August 2, 1911, and made profession of her vows on August 2, 1913.

Sister Scholastica was an accomplished musician, having earned a Ph.D. in Music from the University of Toronto. She authored a series of music education books, "Song Wings," a course of study in Gregorian Chant, and the music for "Heart Immaculate," an IHM community hymn.

As a teacher of music, Sister Scholastica served on the faculty of St. Paul School, St. Cecilia and Marywood College, all in the city of Scranton, PA; and Most Holy Rosary School in Syracuse, NY; as well as schools located in Pittsburgh, PA. She was supervisor of music for the IHM Congregation for a period of two decades.

She is preceded in death by three sisters, Laura Mary Boucher, Elsie Amelia Bohm, and Sr. M. Genoveva, IHM, and a brother, Louis Benjamin.

She is survived by a sister, Mrs. Celine (Richard) Maher of California, nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be Tuesday, May 11 with Mass of Christian Burial in the Marian Convent Chapel at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow, Pennsylvania.  Friends may call at the Marian Convent Monday afternoon or evening.

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.

Class of 1909 - graduation photo of Illa Chainey in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

photo credit: Bill Kapaun