Sister Maria Benedicta Gilberry, IHM
Sister Maria Benedicta Gilberry, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, died Thursday, August 4, 1988 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania, after an illness.
She was born on February 24, 1911 in Lansford, Pennsylvania, and given the name Wilma. She was the daughter of the late Miklos (Michael) and Mary Lakata Gilberry. She entered the IHM Congregation on February 22, 1928, received the religious habit on August 2, 1928, and made profession of her vows on August 2, 1930.
As a teacher of primary and intermediate grades, Sister Maria Benedica served at the following schools: St. Patrick Elementary School in Scranton, PA; St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School in Archbald, PA; St. Rose Elementary School in Carbondale, PA; St. Bernard Elementary School in Hastings, PA; St. Joseph Elementary School in Renovo, PA; All Saints Elementary School in Masontown, PA; St. Mary Elementary School in Patton, PA; St. Mary Elementary School in Goldsboro, NC; St. Matthew Elementary School in Wilmington, DE; as well as at schools located in Pittsburgh, PA.
In 1971, Sister Maria Benedica was assigned to the staff of the Marian Convent, where she worked as assistant dietitian, until illness forced her to retire.
She is preceded in death by a brother, Joseph.
She is survived by a brother, Nicholas of Lansford, PA, two sisters, Mary Schasney of Belford, NJ and Anna Pucillo of California, nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be Friday, August 5 with Mass of Christian Burial at 7 p.m. at the Marian Convent Chapel. Interment will follow at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow, Pennsylvania. Friends may call at the Marian Convent on Friday afternoon, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.
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.
