Sister Dolores Marie McNamara, IHM

Sister Dolores Marie McNamara, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Wednesday, May 6, 1936, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Carbondale, PA.

She was born on May 3, 1907 in New York City, NY, and given the name Norah Mary. She was the daughter of James M. McNamara and the late Delia McNamara. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 7, 1924, received the religious habit on December 29, 1924, and made profession of her vows on August 15, 1926.

Sister Dolores Marie served as a teacher the following schools: St. Rita Elementary School in Dundalk, PA; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Elementary School in Altoona, PA; St. Mary’s Elementary School in Manhasset, PA; and St. Peter’s Cathedral Parochial School in Scranton, PA. She also taught at elementary schools on Long Island, NY.

Sister also served on the support staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Carbondale, PA.

In addition to her father, she is also survived by two sisters, Sister Maria James, IHM, stationed at Most Holy Rosary School in Syracuse, NY, and Mary McNamara Devaney, of New York.

The funeral will be Saturday, May 9, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Rose’s Church in Carbondale, PA, with interment to follow at Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Greenfield Township, PA.

Archival Remembrance:

Sister Dolores Marie McNamara spent some time in the office at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She was one of the most loved sisters in the community, described as possessing an Irish wit. Stories are told of meetings with strangers in town who were attracted by her kind face and who would offer gifts. She is remembered as “playing tricks” on the sisters living in the convent with her in spite of suffering ill health for a long time. Sister Maria James’s natural sister, she is remembered most as a king, generous woman, whose IHM spirit of joyful, loving service flowed from a deep love of God.