Sister Anne Mary Boslett, IHM

“I just knew if it could be done, it had to be done, and I did it.” – Gertrude Ederle

Anne Mary (Helen) Boslett was born in Spangler, PA, in 1931. Spangler was a coal mining town (bituminous – soft, dusty coal). In 2000, Spangler merged with nearby Barnesboro and is now known as the Borough of Northern Cambria. Sister’s parents, Viola Dunlap and Russell Boslett, had a Dutch/German heritage. Her brother, Donald, was two years younger.

Her father worked on highway construction and, sadly, when Anne Mary was only 4 years old, he died from a highway accident. He was hit by a snow plow and then developed pneumonia.

Her mother became the main source of income. She worked as a cook in a restaurant and Anne Mary and her brother were primarily raised by their grandmother.

Anne Mary met the IHMs at St. Patrick’s Grade School. Anne Mary traces her attraction to the IHMs because she had the opportunity to spend time with them outside of the classroom.  Students were invited into the convent either to help clean or to spend time in front of the Blessed Sacrament on December 8^th while the Sisters went to dinner.  On both occasions they spent time with and observed the Sisters interacting with each other (even if it was just listening to the Sisters laughing as they were at dinner.) She said the IHMs were “joyful and loving” and they liked one another.

Anne Mary entered in 1953. The following year was a “Marian Year” so; Anne Mary became a member of the “Mary Band.”

After her first vows, junior sisters were given their first assignments. So, in 1956, Anne Mary was assigned to Sugar Notch, PA.  A small school, her first assignment was as an elementary teacher of a class that included grades 4 and 5. What really amazed me is that, at some point, during the nine years in Sugar Notch, she was transferred to teach grades 1-2-3! You’ll recall that during these times, sisters completed their degrees during summer school!  Anne Mary’s preference was 4^th grade. She said, “They listen and don’t think they are smarter than you.”  Unlike many young sisters who were mentored by sisters in the house, Anne Mary managed by using the manuals and she was not bothered by multiple grades as that had been her own experience.

By 1986, Anne Mary was ready to move beyond the classroom. However, before she did, she also spent time as both a principal and a junior high teacher.  Given all that experience, it seemed logical that she should be selected to be the IHM Elementary Education Consultant, residing at the IHM Center.

At some point, Anne Mary moved to Altoona where her brother was stationed.  He was caring for his mother in the rectory and Anne Mary not only assisted him but also served as the parish DRE.

When the decision was made to move the House of Prayer from Verona to Cresco, Sister Redempta had enough time observing Anne Mary as the Education Consultant that she seemed the appropriate choice to lead that group. Incidentally, this is the only assignment Anne Mary asked to have.

After almost 20 years in Cresco, it closed and Anne Mary moved to the IHM Center. She briefly coordinated events and hospitality and then became a Telespond Volunteer.  Anne Mary moved to OLP in 2023.

Of OLP, she says: “You couldn’t get a better last stop!”