Pittston Was Her Home in Many Ways

Mary Crane was born in Pittston, PA, on September 15, 1891. She not only was born in Pittston but also graduated from St. John’s High School. On February 22, 1922, Mary entered the IHMs at St. John Novitiate, Pittston, PA (which is interesting since she had an aunt and a cousin in the Philadelphia branch). Mary was received on August 15, 1922 and given the name Regina Marie, and professed on August 15, 1924. She graduated from Marywood College with a degree in education.

Immediately after profession, Sister Regina was assigned to St. Dominic’s Parochial School in Oyster Bay, Long Island, NY, as one of the original seven sisters who began this mission. Sister Regina was also stationed at St. Mary Elementary School in Avoca, PA. On January 16, 1936, she became ill with a heart attack while preparing for her classes at St. Mary’s. Two days later she died in St. Mary’s Convent. She had only been teaching for twelve years. The newspaper accounts of her death described her as a beloved sister, possessed of many fine characteristics, and indicated that she endeared herself to many.

Her funeral took place at St. Mary’s Church in Avoca and the entire student body of St. Mary’s School attended. She was buried in St. John’s Cemetery in Pittston. An interesting aside is that both of her parents and all five of her siblings were also buried in the same cemetery.

We may not be buried in the town of our birth, but we pray that we, too, will be known as a beloved sister with fine characteristics.