Obituary

 

Sister M. Thomasine Ryan, IHM

Sister M. Thomasine Ryan, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Thursday, October 1, 1998 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Daughter of the late Thomas Henry and Charlotte Robinson Ryan, she was born on July 29, 1921 in Syosset, NY, and given the name Florence Kathryn. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1940, made her temporary profession of vows on May 10, 1943, and her final profession of vows on August 1, 1946.

Sister Thomasine served as a teacher at the following schools: Epiphany Elementary School in Sayre, PA, from 1973 to 1954; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Elementary School in Asbury Park, NJ, from 1954 to 1961; St. Bernardine Elementary School in Baltimore, MD, from 1961 to 1963; St. John the Baptist Elementary School in Pittsburgh, PA, from 1963 to 1969; Our Lady of Peace Elementary School in Clark's Green, PA, from 1969 to 1974; St. Dominic Elementary School in Oyster Bay, NY, from 1974 to 1980; and St. Paul Elementary School in Cranston, RI, from 1980 to 1993.

Sister also served as a secretary at Our Lady of Grace Center in Manhasset, NY, from 1983 to 1988; library aide at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs' School in Forest Hills, NY, from 1989 to 1989; and on the support staff of the IHM communications office at the IHM Center in Scranton, PA, from 1989 to 1990.

From 1990 until the time of her death, she served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent.

She received a Bachelor of Science degree in education, and a Master of Science degree in special education, both from Marywood College.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas H.

She is survived by a sister, Charlotte Martin of Seabrook, SC; a brother, Thomas E. of  Deer Park, NY; nieces and nephews.

Interment will follow the Mass of Christian Burial 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 reflection:

With dauntless faith and strength of character, Sr. Thomasine entered into the lives of hundreds of children and their families. As an elementary school teacher, her love of learning and children made her an influential presence in the hearts of many.