Sister Carole A. Griffin, IHM

Sister Carole A. Griffin, IHM, (formerly known as Sister Mary Daniel) of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, PA.

Born on August 21, 1938, in Susquehanna, PA, and given the name Carole Ann, Sister Carole was the daughter of the late Harry A. and Helen Lea Griffin. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1956, made temporary profession of her vows on March 12, 1959, and final profession of her vows on March 12, 1964. Sister Carole received a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from Marywood College, and a Master of Education degree in elementary education from East Stroudsburg State College.

Sister Carole served as a teacher in the following schools: St. John the Baptist Elementary School in Unity, PA, from 1959 to 1963; St. Matthew Elementary School in East Stroudsburg, PA, from 1963 to 1969; St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School in Archbald, PA, from 1969 to 1972; St. Paul Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1972 to 1974; Our Lady of Perpetual Help Elementary School in Rocky Mount, NC, in 1985; Our Lady of Mount Carmel Elementary School in Dunmore, PA, from 1985 to 1986; and St. Nicholas/St. Mary School in Wilkes-Barre, PA, from 2003 to 2010.

Sister served as principal at the following schools: St. Rose Elementary School in Carbondale, PA, from 1974 to 1978; St. Joseph School in Williamsport, PA, from 1978 to 1980; St. Paul Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1980 to 1984; Wyoming Area Catholic School in Exeter, PA, from 1986 to 1995; Holy Trinity Elementary School in Hazleton, PA, from 1996 to 1997; Holy Child School in Plymouth, PA, from 1997 to 2002; and Marian Catholic School in Scranton, PA, from 2002 to 2003.

Sister Carole also served as a clerk in the medical records department at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Carbondale, PA, from 1984 to 1985; as parish minister at St. Cecilia Parish in Exeter, PA, from 2001 to 2002; and on the support staff at St. Nicholas/St. Mary School in Wilkes-Barre, PA, from 2010 to 2020.

From 2020 until the time of her death, Sister Carole was a prayer minister at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Michael and Daniel. Sister Carole is survived by a sister, Linda Soop of Homer, NY, and nieces living in New Jersey and New York. She is also survived by the members of the IHM Congregation.

The funeral will be Thursday, December 11, at 11:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Residence, 1510 University Avenue in Dunmore, PA. Friends may call at Our Lady of Peace Residence on Thursday, December 11, between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. A prayer service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow Mass on Thursday at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow, PA.

Prayer and Funeral Mass

Reflection

by Sister Grace Surdovel, IHM Leadership Team Member

Today we gather to celebrate the life of our beloved Sister Carole Griffin—a woman of deep faith, gentle spirit, and unwavering commitment to God’s people.

Carole was born in Susquehanna, the daughter of Harry and Helen, and sister to Michael, Daniel, and Linda, who is with us today, along with her family. Carole was a loving sister, aunt, devoted IHM Sister, and a cherished friend to so many of us here, and those joining us by livestream.

For 87 years of life and 66 years of religious profession, Carole ministered in schools and parishes across Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Massachusetts. Wherever she served, she brought kindness, humor, and a welcoming presence that touched students, parents, and colleagues alike.

I first experienced Carole’s gracious spirit at St. Nick’s/St. Mary’s School in Wilkes-Barre, while supervising graduate student teachers. One of my students was placed in a classroom across the hall from Marion Tarone’s classroom, while Carole served as a classroom aide and supported the administration. Marion and Carole were a great support to my student during his placement. Their wisdom, encouragement, and steady presence gave my student the confidence to succeed, and with that newfound confidence, he later became a middle school math teacher in a Catholic school back home on Long Island.

Another fond memory I have of Carole was of our Luzerne County IHM gatherings, which would take place on Founders Day, the Immaculate Conception, and the Christmas holidays. Carole and Marion, along with Sue Brown and Mary Ann Cody, would select the date, time, and location, and offer transportation to and from the restaurant for those who needed it. I can still picture Carole at Agolino’s in West Pittston, sharing funny stories about student or teacher antics and offering her witty observations. Her humor and warmth made those evenings unforgettable.

Carole touched countless lives through her ministry and friendship. Many of you here have your own stories of how she blessed your lives. When Kitty invites you to do so, I hope you’ll share them so we can give thanks together for the gift Carole was to each of us.

Carole, thank you for your gentle presence, your love, your humor, and your wisdom. Today, we commend you to God’s eternal embrace. Well done, good and faithful servant.