Sister M. Emeria Brundage, IHM
September 5, 1927 – July 23, 2005
Sister M. Emeria Brundage, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Saturday, July 23, 2005, at the Marian Convent in Scranton, PA.
She was born on September 5, 1927 in Scranton, PA, and given the name Catherine. She was the daughter of the late Thomas and Catherine E. Hughes Brundage. She entered the IHM Congregation on February 2, 1947, made temporary profession of her vows on August 2, 1949, and final profession of her vows on August 2, 1952.
Sister Emeria served as a teacher at St. Matthew Elementary School in East Stroudsburg, PA, from 1949 to 1952 and 1957 to 1963; and St. Ambrose School in Bridgeport, CT. She also served as a special education teacher at schools located in Brooklyn, NY, and Baltimore, MD.
At Marywood College in Scranton, PA, Sister Emeria served as chairperson of the Special Education Department, from 1971 to 1984; coordinator of Academic Advising and Testing, from 1985 to 2000; and coordinator of Standardized Testing, from 2000 to 2001.
Sister Emeria served as prayer minister from 2001 to 2003 at the IHM Center, and 2003 until the time of her death at the Marian Convent, both in Scranton.
She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from Marywood College, and a Master of Arts degree in special education from Cardinal Stritch College in Jefferson, WI.
She was preceded in death by an aunt in commuity, Sister M. Annunciation Hughes, IHM.
She is survived by a brother, Wilmer of Folcroft, PA, nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be on Tuesday, August 2 at 10:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at the Marian Convent, followed by interment at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow, PA. Friends may call at the Marian Convent on Monday afternon or evening.
Reprinted from “In Memoriam” section of Journey, Winter 2006 issue
Memories, happy or sad, are precious. One happy memory was on February 2, 1947, when Catherine Brundage (Sister Emeria), a sweet, humble teenager followed the footsteps of her dear aunt, Sister Annunciation (RIP), to become a Sister, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. During her years of the novitiate and after profession, she collected a dynamic bag of tools: analytic skills, endless creativity, teaching knowhow and a willingness to work hard but always with a penchant for fun with a lot of spunk. Through listening, caring and guiding, Sister Emeria inspired young children around her to reach their full potential. She wore many hats during her teaching experience. At Marywood College her charisma reflected her wit, charm, rich ethnic background, love of students, family and friends.
She was a recipient of the Cor Mariae medal for her service at Marywood, which included acting chair of the Special Education Department and coordinator of Academic Advisement.
Her most difficult days came as she struggled with her loss of independence. She was always grateful to those who helped her. She offered her suffering for their intentions. Sister Emeria loved to cry whether she was happy or sad. The lines from a prayer by Isla Richardson are a reminder of our Emeria: “Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as though I were beside you, I loved you so, ’twas heaven here beside you.”
by the February Band of 1947
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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.