Sister Known for Her Sense of Humor

Sisters are often known for their ministry, but this sister was known for playing tricks or jokes on the sisters with whom she was stationed, having an Irish wit, and attracting strangers on the street with her kind face. In fact, the newspapers mention that people would stop her on the street and offer her gifts because of her kindness.

Nora Marie McNamara was born in New York City on May 3, 1907, of parents who were natives of Ireland. She entered the IHMs on September 7, 1924, received the habit on December 20, 1924 (given the name Dolores Marie) and was professed on August 15, 1926. She was professed for just less than 10 years; she died on May 6, 1936 at the age of 29 after a three-week stay in the hospital. She is buried at Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery at Finch Hill, Greenfield Township, PA.

Sister Dolores Marie served as a teacher in the following schools: St. Rita Elementary School in Dundalk, MD; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Elementary School in Altoona, PA; St. Mary’s Elementary School in Manhasset, NY; and St. Peter’s Cathedral Parochial School in Scranton, PA. She also taught at elementary schools on Long Island, NY. In addition, Sister served on the office staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Carbondale, PA. One of Sr. Dolores Marie’s siblings also became an IHM, Sr. Maria James McNamara.

We all have gifts that enrich the lives of others; are yours the gifts of fun and kindness?