Sister Judith Gavigan, IHM
March 31, 1913 – August 19, 1999
Sister Judith Gavigan, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Thursday, August 19, 1999 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born on March 31, 1913 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and given the name Jean Elizabeth. She was the daughter of the late George J. and Mary J. McCormack Gavigan. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1930, made temporary profession of her vows on April 24, 1933, and final profession of her vows on August 2, 1936.
Sister Judith served as a music teacher at the following schools: Holy Rosary High School in Scranton, PA, from 1937 to 1948; St. Rose High School in Carbondale, PA, from 1951 to 1960; St. John the Evangelist High School in Pittston, PA, from 1960 to 1966; as well as at schools located in Manhasset and Forest Hills, NY. She served as a private music instructor at Holy Rosary Convent in Scranton, PA, from 1978 to 1981.
Sister also served as chairperson of the music department at Marywood College in Scranton, PA, from 1966 to 1978.
Sister Judith served as a prayer minister at St. Joseph’s Center Convent in Scranton, PA, from 1988 to 1989, and at the Marian Convent from 1989 until the time of her death.
She earned a Bachelor of Music degree in music education from Marywood College, and a Master of Arts degree in music education from the Teachers College at Columbia University. She was a member of the Music Educators National Conference.
She is preceded in death by a sister, Louise Wilson, and two brothers, Reverend Thomas P., S.J., and George.
She is survived by a brother, John R. of Scranton, PA, three nephews, Richard Wilson of Scranton, PA, Robert Wilson of Washington, DC, Paul Wilson of Greensboro, NC, and two nieces, Jeanne Wilson of Watertown, MA, and Judy Gavigan Vetrano of Endwell, NY.
The funeral will be Tuesday, August 24 at 10:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at the Marian Convent, followed by interment at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call at the Marian Convent on Monday between 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to support the retired IHM Sisters c/o the IHM Sisters Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.
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Memorial contributions may be made to support the retired Sisters of IHM. Donate online today, or send your donation c/o the Sisters of IHM Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.