Sister M. Faith Brown, IHM

Sister M. Faith Brown, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

She was born on May 15, 1916 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and given the name Elizabeth Mary. She was the daughter of the late Andrew A. and Helen D. Jordan Brown. 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 Faith served as a teacher at the following schools: St. Peter of Alcantara Elementary School in Port Washington, NY, from 1937 to 1942; Our Lady of Mount Carmel Elementary School in Asbury Park, NJ, from 1942 to 1943; Most Holy Rosary High School in Syracuse, NY, from 1943 to 1949; St. Ann High School in Scranton, PA, from 1949 to 1951; St. John High School in Pittston, PA, from 1951 to 1953; St. Patrick High School in Olyphant, PA, from 1953 to 1956; St. Rose High School in Carbondale, PA, from 1956 to 1958; St. Mary of the Mount High School in Pittsburgh, PA, from 1958 to 1968; Immaculata High School in New York, NY, from 1969 to 1971; Kingston Catholic High School in Kingston, PA, from 1971 to 1973; St. Alphonsus High School in New York, NY, from 1976 to 1980; and Bishop Hannan High School in Scranton, PA, from 1980 to 1982.

Sister Faith served as principal at Holy Rosary High School in Scranton, PA, from 1968 to 1969.

Sister also served as administrator at the Marian Convent in Scranton, PA, from 1973 to 1976; chaplain at the Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital in Syracuse, NY, from 1982 to 1986; pastoral minister at Most Holy Rosary Parish in Syracuse, NY, from 1986 to 1991; and on the support staff at the Fricchione Day Care Center at Marywood University in Scranton, PA, from 1999 to 2001.

From 2001 to until the time of her death, Sister Faith served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent and at Our Lady of Peace Residence, both located in Scranton.

She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, and Master of Arts degree in English, both from Marywood College.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Robert F., and an infant sister, Mary.

She is survived by a sister, Kathryn B. Walsh of Dunmore, PA, nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be Friday, April 20, at 10:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Residence, 2300 Adams Avenue in Scranton. Interment will follow Mass on Friday at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call at Our Lady of Peace Residence on Thursday, April 19, 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.

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Reprinted from “In Memoriam” section of Journey, Spring 2007 issue

A farewell to Sister M. Faith Brown:

Sr. Faith was a faithful friend. She was always there, always ready for conversation. She was a true sister. She talked about matters that mattered, that were of God and of the heart, as well as of family, friends and students. She, however, never bothered with gossip.

She was a wonderful mentor – sensitive, human, and real. She shot straight arrows with great kindness and compassion. Life and living lovingly were of prime importance to her. There was a distinct spark of God’s loving presence that was always present when we spent time together.

Sr. Faith was sensitive. She entered into her students’ lives and was “there” ready to listen, to counsel, to cry with us, and to laugh with us. She would even laugh at herself! She and the other sisters on the small faculty at St. Patrick’s High School in Olyphant were very watchful. They were at the convent windows when the proms and dances ended! They cared about us and we knew it.

Her love for her family was always constant. She would do anything for them. She loved being with them and was always ready to offer help, compassion, and advice. That same grace was extended to her friends whom she found during her
many years in ministry.

Today, I thank Sr. Faith and her wonderful family who were so much a part of her life and her spirit! She was a gift to all. We know we can rejoice with her because now Sr. Faith will be our constant advocate before the face of our Loving God.

by Sr. Mary Dawson, IHM