Obituary

 

Sister M. Margaretta Mullen, IHM

Sister M. Margaretta Mullen, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Tuesday, November 3, 1964 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania.  

She was born on March 15, 1891 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and given the name Catherine Veronica. She was the daughter of the late Stephen and Anna Crowley Mullen. She entered the IHM Congregation on March 25, 1917, received the religious habit on August 2, 1917, and made profession of her vows on August 2, 1919.

Sister Margaretta served as a teacher at St. Mary-John School in Cresson, PA, and St. Michael's School for Boys in Hoban Heights, PA.  She served as a catechetical instructor at St. Ignatius Catechetical Center in Kingston, PA; St. John the Evangelist Catechetical Center in Binghamton, NY;  and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish and St. Edward's Parish, both Barnesboro, PA.

Sister also served as a seamstress at St. Joseph's Children's and Maternity Hospital in Scranton, PA; supervisor of O'Reilly Hall at Marywood College in Scranton, PA; and child care for resident children at the Father Costello Day Nursery in Williamsport, PA.  

From 1958 until the time of her death, Sister Margaretta served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Stephen Francis, and two sisters, Sister Mary Estelle, IHM, and Anna Marie.

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.


Archival Remembrance:

A long a painful illness preceded our Sister M. Margaretta's entrance into eternal life; but perhaps her greatest suffering was loneliness. The deaths of her beloved sisters, Annie and Sister Mary Estelle, were deep sorrows to her. In her many days of illness she longed to go to God and to be re-united with her loved ones.

Always, Sister Margaretta was a hard worker, gibing her very best to all her tasks. She labored in several of our catechetical schools, where the work is so varied and which demands great generosity and devoted charity. Our orphanages and the Costello Nursery School also received the benefit of her unstinted labor. She was a kind and loving Sister to needy children, giving them the affection and care they so much need. For three years she served at Marywood College as supervisor of the residence hall. This assignment meant long hours of generous care.

Doubtless, Sister Margaretta's greatest contribution was her patience in suffering through the long years of her last illness.  Day by day her sickness took greater and greater toll. Towards the end she seemed unaware of the things around her.  Long days and nights of withdrawal brought her closer and closer to God. Well we can imagine with the eyes of faith her long-awaited entrance into heavenly bliss. May God abundantly reward this devout and generous Sister.