Sister M. Blanche Feeney, IHM
July 23, 1909 – March 26, 1997
Sister M. Blanche Feeney, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Wednesday, March 26, 1997, at the Marian Community Hospital in Carbondale, PA.
She was born on July 23, 1909 in Scranton, PA, and given the name Mary M. She was the daughter of the late John J. and Mary Elizabeth Berry Feeney. She entered the IHM Congregation on February 2, 1930, made temporary profession of her vows on August 2, 1932, and final profession of her vows on August 2, 1935.
Sister Blanche served a teacher at the following schools: St. Ephrem School in Brooklyn, NY, from 1932 to 1939; Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary School in New York, NY, from 1939 to 1942; St. Mary of the Mount School in Pittsburgh, PA, from 1942 to 1946 and 1963 to 1966; St. Alphonsus School in New York, NY, from 1946 to 1948; St. Leo School in Ashley, PA, from 1948 to 1951; South Scranton Catholic High School in Scranton, PA, from 1951 to 1952; St. Joseph School in New Bern, NC, from 1952 to 1955; St. Michael’s Industrial School for Boys in Hoban Heights, PA, from 1955 to 1958; St. Mary School in Manhasset, NY, from 1958 to 1969 and 1966 to 1968; St. Basil School in Dushore, PA, from 1959 to 1963; Most Holy Rosary School in Syracuse, NY, from 1968 to 1969; and Bishop Klonowski High School in Scranton, PA, from 1969 to 1976.
Sister also served as a secretary at the IHM Center in Scranton, PA, from 1976 to 1985.
From 1985 until the time of her death, Sister Blanche served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent.
She received a Bachelor of Science degree in business, and a Master of Science degree in business, both from Marywood College.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Gerald, and two sisters, Eleanor Brogan and Jean Sottile.
She is survived by three nieces, Mary Brogan and Louise Sottile, both of Scranton, PA, Mary Ann Burghardt of Venice, FL; five nephews, Joseph Brogan of Dunmore, PA, John Brogan of Mt. Cobb, PA, Gerald Feeney of Chicago, IL, John Feeney of Arlington, VA, and Michael Feeney of Johnson City, NY; and a sister-in-law, Mary Feeney.
The funeral will be Wednesday, April 3 at 10:30 a.m. at the Marian Convent in Scranton, followed by interment at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow, PA. Friends may call after 2:00 pm on Tuesday at the Marian Convent.
Archival Remembrance:
Gifted with an expansive heart and boundless generosity, Sister Blanche served as an IHM sister for 65 years until her death. As an educator and a leader, she gave witness to her love of God and life to countless numbers of young people and families. She served as an elementary teacher, business teacher and principal at IHM schools from Pennsylvania to New York, and as far south as North Carolina. Her faith-filled ministry also extended to the IHM Congregation when she served as a secretary at the IHM Center.
Donate in Sister's memory
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.