Sister M. Eucharista Cook, IHM
September 21, 1883 – August 24, 1966
Sister M. Eucharista Cook, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Wednesday, August 24, 1966 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born in Ireland on September 21, 1883 in Ireland, and given the name Sarah. She was the daugther of the late James and Bridget Henry Cook. She entered the IHM Congregation on December 24, 1909, received the religious habit on October 15, 1910, and made profession of her vows on August 2, 1912.
Sister Eucharista served as a teacher at the following schools: IHM Academy in Coeur d’Alene, ID, from 1912 to 1918; St. Leo High School in Ashley, PA, from 1918 to 1919; St. Mary of the Mount High School in Pittsburgh, PA, from 1919 to 1923; St. Bernard High School in Hastings, PA, from 1923 to 1928; St. Rosalia High School in Pittsburgh, PA, from 1928 to 1936 and 1937 to 1941; Altoona Central Catholic High School in Altoona, PA, from 1936 to 1937 and 1950 to 1955; Immaculata High School in New York City, NY, from 1941 to 1946; St. Dominic High School in Oyster Bay, NY, from 1946 to 1950; St. Joseph High School in Renovo, PA, from 1955 to 1957; and St. AgnesHigh School in Lock Haven, PA, from 1957 to 1958.
From 1958 until the time of her death, Sister Eucharista served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent.
Interment is at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow, Pennsylvania.
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.
Archival reflection:
Sister M. Eucharista Cook, Irish born, delighted all her listeners with her perfect speech and artfully chosen word. A dynamic teacher, she brought to life literature, history…whatever she taught. No boredom was evidenced in her classes as she gave vitality to characters and scenes with her vivid descriptions. Her last few years spent at the Marian Convent were treasured as she prepared for her final call.
The Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary benefited from the efforts to bring young women from Ireland to Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Over the years a total of sixty-five young women became professed IHM religious. Their services were received as far west at Coeur d’Alene, Idaho at the IHM Academy and at St. Edward School, Twin Falls, Idaho. The southern missions witnessed their dedication in Washington, Raleigh, and Rocky Mount, North Carolina. It was remarked that black children in some southern schools were speaking with an Irish brogue! The Sisters from Ireland also served in many locations in Pennsylvania, such as Dushore, Lock Haven, Exeter, Altoona, Pittsburgh, St. Michael’s School in Hoban Heights, Cresson, Pittston, Scranton, and Williamsport. New York and Rhode Island missions also received their services.
Excerpted from The Story of the Native Irish Sisters Who Entered the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Scranton Pennsylvania by Sister M. Michel Keenan, IHM, 2006, p.18
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.