Sister M. Basil Durkin, IHM

Sister M. Basil Durkin, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Wednesday, August 13, 1901, at St. Rose’s Convent in Carbondale, PA.

She was born on March 2, 1857 in Scranton, PA, and given the name Ann. She was the daughter of Patrick and Cecilia Loftus Durkin. She entered the IHM Congregation on May 28, 1874, received the religious habit on February 9, 1875, and made profession of her vows on November 21, 1887.

Sister Basil enjoyed her years of teaching children in our IHM mission schools, including at Laurel Hill Academy in Susquehanna, PA, and St. Patrick School in Olyphant, PA.

She is survived by two sisters.

The funeral will be Friday, August 16 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church in Carbondale, PA, followed by interment at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in Carbondale. The solemn high mass will be sung by Bishop-elect Garvey, with Bishop Hoban giveing the absolution. Two hundred sisters, now in retreat in Carbondale, are expected to attend the funeral.

Archival Remembrance:

Sister M. Basil Durkin labored in the different schools of the Immaculate Heart community in the Diocese of Scranton. Almost her whole life was spent within the convent or is influences, and her life reflected the piety and zeal which she was taught to foster. She passed away after months of suffering and trials of an illness of about six months’ duration, out which was borne with true Christian fortitude and resignation when the end approached.