Sister M. Phyllis McCarty, IHM
Sister M. Phyllis McCarty, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Thursday, January 17, 2008 at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born on February 18, 1922 in Brooklyn, NY, and given the name Mary P. She was the daughter of the late Peter and Louise J. Botsford McCarty. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1939, made temporary profession of her vows on May 8, 1942, and final profession of her vows on August 2, 1945.
Sister Phyllis served as a teacher at the following schools: St. Mary Elementary School in Avoca, PA, from 1942 to 1945; St. Matthew Elementary School in Wilmington, DE, from 1945 to 1952; Holy Trinity Elementary School in Poughkeepsie, NY, from 1952 to 1953; St. Peter of Alcantara Elementary School in Port Washington, NY, from 1953 to 1956; St. Ephrem Elementary School in Brooklyn, NY, from 1956 to 1960; St. Paul High School in Scranton, PA, from 1960 to 1963; Bishop Guilfoyle High School in Altoona, PA, from 1963 to 1964; St. Leo High School in Ashley, PA, from 1964 to 1968; St. Mary of the Mount High School in Pittsburgh, PA, from 1968 to 1970; St. Dominic High School in Oyster Bay, NY, from 1970 to 1978; Maria Regina Diocesan High School in Uniondale, NY, from 1978 to 1984; and Bishop Hoban High School in Wilkes-Barre, PA, from 1984 to 2000.
Sister also served on the support staff at the Marian Convent in Scranton, PA, from 2000 to 2001.
From 2001 until the time of her death, Sister Phyllis served as a prayer minister at the IHM Center, Marian Convent, and Our Lady of Peace Residence, all in Scranton.
She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, and a Master of Science degree in Theology, both from Marywood College; and a Master of Arts degree in History from Villanova University.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, James and Donald, and a nephew, Eugene Howard.
She is survived by two sisters, Patricia Howard of Livingston, NJ, and Kathryn Lawrence of Virginia Beach, VA, a brother, Robert and sister-in-law, Jill, of Clarks Summit, PA, nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be Monday, January 21, at 11:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Residence, 2300 Adams Avenue in Scranton. Interment will follow at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call at Our Lady of Peace Residence on Sunday, January 20, between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
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, Fall 2008 issue
On January 17, 2008, Phyllis McCarty, Sister, Servant, of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, quietly accepted the long awaited call, "Come, my love, my dove, my beautiful one; come home." As the morning sun began its task of lighting the world, Phyllis was ushered by the angels of light into eternal union with the God she loved deeply and served tirelessly.
During her sixty years of religious life, Phyllis' fidelity to community prayers, her special devotion to St. Joseph and her litany of family intentions energized her to recognize daily the good in those she encountered. She was gifted in sensing the subtle and not so subtle needs of those with whom she lived and worked: prayers, cards, flowers for the ill, comfort and consolation for the lonely, a top of the line shampoo and set to brighten one's day, ceramic Christmas trees for the holidays, afghans to add colorful warmth to a chilly room, financial help when one's piggy bank was empty and her newest outfit for someone who needed a bit of TLC. Truly, Phyllis responded joyfully to her vocation as servant.
As person, teacher, administrator, or superior, Phyllis meaningfully touched the lives of thousands of young men and women. This was evident from former pupils who regularly touched base with her, especially at holiday time, always expressing gratitude for her kindness and inspiration and most of all encouragement to recognize and use their God-given talents.
The presence of Sister Phyllis in my life has been a treasure I will forever hold in my heart. When Henry Ford was asked about friendship, he replied, "My dearest friend is the one who brings out the best in me." Without a doubt, Phyllis has been my dearest friend for the past forty years.
Phyllis, everyone keenly misses you; however, we rejoice that you are pain free and enjoying eternal life with our Master, who, over the years had tenderly prepared your dwelling place. May you rest comfortably in His arms until we meet again.
by Sr. Kathleen O'Dea, IHM
