Sister M. de Pazzi Houlihan, IHM

Sister M. de Pazzi Houlihan, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Saturday, March 14, 1959, at the Marian Convent in Scranton, PA.

She was born on November 22, 1869 in New Milford, PA, and given the name Mary. She was the daughter of the late Michael and Bridget Gannon Houlihan. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1887, received the religious habit on March 6, 1888, and made profession of her vows on April 8, 1890.

Sister de Pazzi served as a teacher at St. Cecilia Academy in Scranton, PA, and St. Patrick Elementary School in Olyphant, PA. She served as superior and teacher at the following schools: St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Scranton, PA; St. Mary Elementary School in Avoca, PA; St. Mary of the Mount Elementary School in Pittsburg, PA; St. Patrick Elementary School in Scranton, PA; and St. Ann Elementary School in Scranton, PA.

Sister served as a member of the IHM Congregation leadership team in Scranton, PA. She also served as superior of St. Agnes Place in Elmhurst, PA.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Hanora Houlihan, and two brothers, Henry (infant) and George Francis.

She is survived by four brothers, John and Thomas, both of Berlin, NH, Attorney Henry of New York City, NY, and Timothy of Susquehanna, PA; a sister, Ellen Carrigg of Susquehanna, PA; nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be Monday, March 16 at 9:30 a.m. at the Marian Convent, followed by interment at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow, PA. Friends may call on Sunday afternoon or evening at the Marian Convent.

Archival Remembrance:

As a kind and beloved Sister and Superior, Sister M. de Pazzi will be long and affectionately remembered in our Congregation. Her stately bearing and gracious manner betokened her strong character, as gentle as it was forceful. All who approached her found the splendid combination of firmness tempered by kindness. Her happy spirit had its source in the depth of her religious spirit, and it easily outflowed to all who came in contact with her. As teacher and Superior she was strong and helpful, solicitous for the welfare of all. Like her religious life, her school apostolate was holy and happy.