Sister M. Donelda Fox, IHM
August 30, 1915 – May 15, 2006
Sister M. Donelda Fox, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Monday, May 15, 2006 at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born on August 30, 1915, in Syracuse, NY, and given the name Margaret Rose. She was the daughter of the late John A. and Marie Elizabeth Glynn Fox. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1934, made temporary profession of her vows on May 3, 1937, and final profession of her vows on August 1, 1940.
Sister Donelda served as a teacher at the following schools: St. Ann Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from, 1937 to 1942; St. Michael’s Industrial School for Boys in Hoban Heights, PA, from 1942 to 1950; and St. Leo Elementary School in Ashley, PA, from 1950 to 1956. She also served as librarian at St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Clinton, MD, from 1974 to 1984.
Sister Donelda served as principal at the following schools: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Elementary School in Rocky Mount, NC, from 1956 to 1962; St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Silver Spring, MD, from 1962 to 1968; St. Ann Elementary School in Nyack, NY, from 1968 to 1970; and St. Mary of the Assumption Elementary School in Upper Marlboro, MD, from 1970 to 1974.
From 1984 until the time of her death, Sister Donelda served as prayer minister at St. John the Evangelist Convent in Clinton, MD, the Marian Convent in Scranton, and Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton.
She received a Bachelor of Science degree in education, a Master of Science degree in religious education, and a Master of Science degree in education, all from Marywood College.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Donald and John, and five sisters, Alice Virginia Fox, Mary Veronica Fox, Helene E. Herlehy, Ruth Parkinson, and Sister Robertine, IHM.
Surviving is a brother, Ralph of Syracuse, NY, two sisters, Marie Therese McCarthy of Syracuse, NY, and Jeanne Anne Crowel, of Fairport, NY, and nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be Thursday, May 18 at 10:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Residence, 2300 Adams Avenue in Scranton followed by interment at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call at Our Lady of Peace Residence on Wednesday, May 17, between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
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.
Reprinted from “In Memoriam” section of Journey, Fall 2006 issue
Women have always made a difference in our world. For the most part they go about quietly doing the humble tasks women have always taken on by tradition. Sr. Donelda was one of these women. She was filled with deep faith and prayer and committed herself faithfully to her God. She touched the lives of many as teacher and principal. I was blessed and given the special gift of her mentoring and wisdom during my early years as an IHM Sister at St. Mary’s in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. During that time I saw Donelda reaching out in so many ways to students, teachers, parents and staff with her unique gifts of listening, guiding and compassion.
Sr. Donelda often shared her stories of St. Michael’s in Hoban Heights, PA. and how proud she was of the students’ success in life. So many of her former students kept contact with her over the years. This was indeed evidenced at her wake and funeral as they shared fond memories. It was a great testament to her influence in their lives.
Sr. Donelda loved her family, her community, and loved being an IHM. If you knew Sr. Donelda you knew her wonderful family. At Sister’s wake Jerry’s obvious love for his aunt, Sr. Donelda, was a great witness to her special place in his life.
At the age of ninety this exceptional lady was still involved in recruiting future candidates for the IHM Congregation. Recently, a young lady who is discerning her possible vocation to IHM visited Sr. Donelda. When leaving her room she said, “Stopping in to see Sr. Donelda today was such a blessing for me. She is a woman filled with God’s love and grace.
Sr. Donelda has left her family and friends with warm and fond memories to cherish forever. I am sure our gracious
God is saying to her, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
by Sister Mary Alice Wheatley, IHM
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.