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In Memory

Sister M. Ambrosia Gardner, IHM

January 16, 1909 – October 19, 1985

Sister M. Ambrosia Gardner, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Saturday, October 19, 1985, at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania, after an extended illness.

She was born on January 16, 1909 in Bethlehem, NH, and given the name Christine Agnes. She was the daughter of the late John J. and Christine Magee Gardner. She grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She entered the IHM Congregation on February 2, 1930, received the religious habit on August 2, 1930, and made final profession of her vows on July 31, 1935.

As a teacher of primary and intermediate grades, Sister Ambrosia served at the following schools: St. John Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1932 to 1936; St. Leo Elementary School in Ashley, PA, from 1936 to 1944; All Saints Elementary School in Masontown, PA, from 1941 to 1945; St. Mary John School in Cresson PA, from 1943 to 1948; Most Holy Rosary Elementary School in Syracuse, NY, from 1948 to 1950; St. Patrick Elementary School in Oneida, NY, from 1950 to 1952; St. Ann Elementary School in Nyack, NY, from 1952 to 1954; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Elementary School in Ashbury Park, NJ, from 1954 to 1958; St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Bellefonte, PA, from 1958 to 1959; and St. Joseph Elementary School in Williamsport, PA, from 1959 to 1960.

Sister also served as a librarian at the following schools: Lock Haven Catholic School in Lock Haven, PA, from 1960 to 1975; St. Joseph Elementary School in Danville, PA, from 1975 to 1977; St. Matthew Elementary School in East Stroudsburg, PA, from 1977 to 1979; and St. Thomas Elementary School in Bedford, PA, from 1979 to 1981.

From 1981 until the time of her death, Sister Ambrosia served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent.

She is survived by two sisters, Marcella Coulehan of North Versailles, PA, and Margaret Greene of Zanesville, Ohio, two brothers, John of Rockville, MD, and Vincent of Sebring, FL, and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be Tuesday, with Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in the Marian Convent Chapel. Interment will follow at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow, PA. Friends may call at the Marian Convent Monday afternoon or evening.

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.

*Mother’s maiden name could also be spelled McGee.

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