Sister M. Alverna McArdle, IHM

Sister M. Alverna McArdle, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Friday, August 2, 1974, at the Marian Convent in Scranton, PA.

She was born on September 2, 1908 in Uniontown, PA, and given the name Camilla. She was the daughter of the late Edward and Mary Ellen Ahearn McArdle. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 29, 1926, received the religious habit on December 29, 1926, and made profession of her vows on January 2, 1929.

Sister Alverna served as a teacher at the following schools: St. Bernard Parochial School in Hastings, PA; Epiphany Elementary School in Sayre, PA; St. Paul Elementary School in Edgewood, RI; St. Raymond Elementary School in Lynbrook, NY; Sacred Heart of Mary Elementary School in Jermyn, PA; Sacred Heart Elementary School in La Plata, MD; St. Rosalia Elementary School in Pittsburgh, PA; St. Peter Cathedral School in Scranton, PA; and St. John Elementary School in Susquehanna, PA.

From 1974 until the time of her death, Sister Alverna served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Reverend Henry, O.S.A., and Edward, who was a victim of the USS Wasp disaster.

She is survived by four sisters, Sister M. Anna Teresa, IHM, Cecilia Maher of Irwin, PA, Sister M. Henrita, IHM, of Dunmore, PA, and Sister M. Michael, IHM, of Scranton, PA; two brothers, Patrick Joseph of Masontown, PA, and Michael of Ford City, PA; several nieces and nephews; and cousins, including Reverend John Ahearn of Mobil, AL.

The funeral will be Monday, August 5, at 10:00 a.m. at the Marian Convent, Scranton. Interment will follow at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow, PA. Friends may call on Saturday and Sunday afternoon and evening at the Marian Convent.

Archival Remembrance:

Sister Alverna was a beautiful soul who lived a saintly life. Physically, she was frail but joyfully accepted this cross and found strength in resignation to God’s will. Her example affected the lives of many and brought them nearer to God.