Sister M. Anselm Lavery, IHM
Sister M. Anselm Lavery, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on November 25, 1951.
She was born on January 18, 1867 in Pleasant Mount, Pennsylvania, and given the name Jane. She was the daughter of the late William and Lucinda Mains Lavery. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1885, received the religious habit on June 1, 1886, and made profession of her vows on July 12, 1888.
Sister Anselm enjoyed her years of teaching children in our IHM mission schools, including St. Joseph Elementary School in Spokane, WA. She also served as the first superior of Casa Regina, a residence for girls, in Altoona, PA.
Interment is 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.
"The next mission opened in the West was that of Saint Joseph's Parish, Spokane, Washington. Father De Kanter, the pastor, had built a convent and parochial school combined, a substantial three story brick structure with white stone trimmings. A band of Sisters was sent there during the summer of 1905 and the school was opened on September 8th. Sister M. Loyola was appointed superior. With her were associated Sister M. Anselm, Sister M. Catherina, Sister M. Luigi and Sister M. Mechtilde."
Excerpted from The Sisters of the I.H.M.: The Story of The Founding of The Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Their Work In The Scranton Diocese by Sister M. Immaculata Gillespie, IHM, P.J. Kenedy & Sons, NY, 1921, p. 315
"The Casa Regina was formally opened on December 3, 1919. The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary took charge on the feast of the Epiphany, January 6, 1920. Sister M. Anselm was appointed superior. Associated with her in the work are Sister M. Hermann and Sister M. Claudia. The Casa is an ideal home. Meals are served to girls other than the regular boarders, and it is expected that in a short time the home will be self-supporting. The Sisters watch carefully over the temporal and spiritual needs of the girls under their care. They conduct classes and give assistance to those who are preparing themselves for better positions. Many girls have already profited by the work of the Casa Regina. "
Excerpted from The Sisters of the I.H.M.: The Story of The Founding of The Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Their Work In The Scranton Diocese by Sister M. Immaculata Gillespie, IHM, P.J. Kenedy & Sons, NY, 1921, p. 476
