Sister Marguerite Green, IHM
Sister Marguerite Green, IHM, (formerly known as Sister M. St. Ambrose) of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Tuesday, January 13, 2015, at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, PA.
She was born on December 13, 1932, in Pemberton Township, NJ. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Margaret Martin Green. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1955, made temporary profession of her vows on March 13, 1958, and final profession of her vows on June 22, 1963.
Sister Marguerite served as a teacher at the following schools: St. Mary High School in Manhasset, NY, from 1958 to 1964; St. Patrick High School in Olyphant, PA, from 1964 to 1966; St. Alphonsus High School in New York, NY, from 1966 to 1971; and St. Mark's High School in Wilmington, DE, from 1971 to 1985.
Sister served as a computer specialist at the following: St. Joseph’s Hospital in Carbondale, PA, from 1986 to 1988; St. Mark's High School in the Academic Records Office in Wilmington, DE, from 1990 to 2000; and the Charter School of Wilmington in Wilmington, DE, from 2002 to 2003.
Sister Marguerite also served as an assistant inventory controller at Catholic Medical Mission Board in New York, NY, from 1988 to 1990; volunteer at St. Gertrude Monastery in Ridgely, MD, from 2001 to 2002; and an instructor in the Educational Enrichment Institute at the IHM Center in Scranton, PA, from 2003 to 2010.
From 2010 until the time of her death, Sister Marguerite served as a prayer minister at Our Lady of Peace Residence.
She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics/social science from Marywood College, and a Master of Science Teaching degree in mathematics from Fordham University.
She is preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and Robert.
She is survived by a sister-in-law, Patricia Green, of Southampton, NJ, nieces and nephews, cousins, and by the members of the IHM Congregation.
The funeral will be Friday, January 16, at 11:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Residence, 2300 Adams Avenue in Scranton. Friends may call at Our Lady of Peace Residence on Thursday, January 15, between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Interment will follow Mass on Friday at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow, PA.
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.
Reprinted from "In Memoriam" section of Journey, Spring 2015 issue
Sister Marguerite Green was born December 13, 1932, in Pemberton County, New Jersey. Her parents, Charles and Margaret Martin Green, were owners of a dairy farm where two sons, Charles and Robert, helped in the family business. Marguerite often related that her inclination for study, especially math, was well tolerated at home. Much later in life, however, it became evident that growing up she also learned home-style cooking and farm-style tilling of the soil.
Then as a four-year resident student at Marywood College majoring in mathematics and now well acquainted with the IHM Sisters, Marguerite entered the Congregation in 1955. After her profession of final vows in 1963, Marguerite, known in religion as Sister St. Ambrose, was assigned to teaching in high school math programs. Eventually at Fordham University, she earned a master’s degree in mathematics.
In 1966, this writer was assigned to St. Alphonsus Commercial High School in New York City where sharing community life with Sister Marguerite was a special experience. New York City seemed the ideal setting for her energy, generosity, and diversity of interests. While
she enjoyed roaming Canal Street for bargains, there was also easy access to Manhattan’s arts and entertainment centers. Hospitality at St. Al’s included assisting visitors with their plans to enjoy the city.
The emergence of computer science in schools was a compelling invitation for Marguerite to update her ministry in education. For several years at St. Mark High School in Delaware, she designed and then implemented programs for high school records. In addition, she assisted with the community’s meal planning, cooked for special events, and also planted a large vegetable garden. She worked avidly, even if sometimes sporadically, for projects deemed worthy of her best efforts.
In 2014, the IHM Chapter Direction Statement included a reminder to be “conscious of both our fragility and our strength.” Due to health conditions, Marguerite lived this reality in a semi-retired status at the IHM Center. With a gradual loss of mobility, she moved about in a wheel chair. Now with feet shod in boot-like shoes, Marguerite “walked” her way to community events and to young students in need of tutoring in mathematics.
At Our Lady of Peace Residence, before frailty overtook her strength, every morning Marguerite went directly to chapel. There in a deep and motionless presence, she simply entrusted herself to the Presence of God. On January 13, 2015, Marguerite peacefully released her life to an invitation worded by the psalmist long ago.
“Cry out with joy to the Lord...
Enter his gates with thanksgiving...
Give thanks to him and bless his
name.” -Psalm 100
by Sister Eleanor Desaulniers, IHM
