Sister M. Alice McCann, IHM

Sister M. Alice McCann, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Tuesday, December 12, 1961, at the Marian Convent in Scranton, PA.

She was born on March 5, 1875 in Carbondale, PA, and given the name Mary Alice. She was the daughter of the late Michael and Bridget Loftus McCann. She entered the IHM Congregation on November 1, 1893, received the religious habit on May 24, 1894, and made profession of her vows on July 2, 1896.

Sister Alice served as a teacher at St. John the Evangelist High School in Pirrston, PA; and Holy Rosary High School in Scranton, PA.

Sister served as principal and superior at the following schools: St. Thomas Aquinas School in Archbald, PA; St. Ephrem School in Brooklyn, NY; St. Ann School in Scranton, PA: and St. Cecilia School in Exeter, PA.

She was preceded in death by brothers, John, Thomas, Joseph and Charles; and three sisters, Catherine Reilly, Elizabeth McCann, and Anna Carey.

She is survived by two brothers, James and Michael of Carbondale, PA; a sister, Rose Robinson of Carbondale, PA; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be Friday, December 15, at 9:30 a.m. at the Marian Convent, Scranton. Interment will be at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow, PA. Friends may call on Wednesday and Thursday at the Marian Convent.

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Archival Remembrance:

In her earliest years as a teacher, our gentle Sister M. Alice was a heart patient and frequently had to leave her classroom to get relief. Ill health was her almost constant companion, but she bravely faced her tasks and toiled valiantly for the students entrusted in her care. God gave Sister Alice a very happy disposition and her natural gaiety enlivened many recreation periods. Her recital of humorous anecdotes diffused her joyous spirit through all her environment.

But Sister Alice is best remembered for her spirit of prayer. Countless rosaries she laid at our Lady’s feet. To make a private Holy Hour was a habit with her. Truly, she was a prayerful Sister to whom living for God and serving Him was a joyful privilege. The twilight of life found her patient and long-suffering. She had given her all to God and she humbly awaited His call to eternal life. May God rest her soul.

Entered the Convent

“Miss Mary McCann, daughter of Michael McCann of Sand street, entered St. Rose convent in this city last evening as a postulant, where, after serving the customary probationary period, she will become a sister of the Order of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Miss McCann was formerly one of THE HERALD’s most faithful compositors and we can safely assert that she is both by disposition and attainments especially fitted for her chosen vocation as a religeuse.”

from The Herald · Carbondale, Pennsylvania · Wed, Nov 01, 1893 · Page 4