Sister M. Jeremy Hornung, IHM

Sister M. Jeremy Hornung, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Saturday, February 16, 2008, at Mercy Hospital in Scranton, PA.

She was born on February 7, 1929 in Camden, NY, and given the name Thomasina. She was the daughter of the late A. Rudolph and Anne McCarthy Hornung. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 7, 1950, made temporary profession of her vows on August 2, 1953 and final profession of her vows on August 2, 1956.

Sister Jeremy served as a music teacher at St. Ephrem Elementary School in Brooklyn, NY, from 1953 to 1956; St. Mary Elementary School and High School in Manhasset, NY, from 1956 to 1959; St. Ambrose Elementary School and Parish in Bridgeport, CT, from 1990 to 1996; and St. Rose Intermediate Center in Carbondale, PA, from 1996 to 2001. She served on the faculty in the Music Department at Marywood College in Scranton, PA, from 1959 to 1983.

Sister Jeremy also served as a piano instructor at St. Clare Convent in Scranton, PA, from 2001 to 2006; and private music lessons instructor at the IHM Center in Scranton, PA, from 2006 to 2007.

From 2007 until the time of her death, Sister Jeremy served as a prayer minister at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, PA.

She received a Bachelor of Music degree from Marywood College and a Master of Music degree from the University of Notre Dame.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Howard.

She is survived by a sister, Alice Foster of Bushnell, FL, sister-in-law, Louise Hornung of Mulberry, FL, ten nieces and nephews, and twenty grandnieces and grandnephews.

The funeral will be Wednesday, February 20, at 11:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Residence, 2300 Adams Avenue in Scranton. Friends may call at Our Lady of Peace Residence on Tuesday, February 19, between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Interment will follow Mass on Wednesday at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow, PA.

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Reprinted from “In Memoriam” section of Journey, Fall 2008 issue

She who pursues beauty and kindness
shall find life and honor, too.
-Proverbs 21

Sister Jeremy Hornung’s life was truly one of “joyful, loving, hospitable service.” She loved life, family, friends, music and was always there for others. Former Marywood students and colleagues expressed memories such as, “Sister Jeremy as such a dear to all of those around her – what an inspiration!” and “One thing that comes to my mind is the smile that greeted me when I walked in for my trombone lesson… I always saw her love of music in what she taught… a truly gifted musician, who freely shared that gift with all… I will always remember her smile.”

The Marywood University 2008 Wind Ensemble Concert directed by William (Bill) Weber was dedicated in memory of Sister Jeremy Hornung. Bill, in his usual fashion, interspersed many humorous stories about Sister between selections. He also reflected, “Sister Jeremy was my chief mentor and supporter at Marywood University. She started the Wind Ensemble in 1973, and she and her dear friend and colleague, Jane McGowty, hired me to teach and to conduct the Wind Ensemble in 1975. Sister played French horn in the group until 1983 and regularly attended concerts until her death. I will always be grateful or her love and support.”

When my pastor, Fr. Ruppert, brought me to Marywood to audition for acceptance into the Music Department, we were pleasantly surprised to meet Thomasina Hornung, who had been Father’s organist. Following the audition, Thomasina treated us to a beautiful rendition of the Widor Toccata on the chapel organ. Upon her graduation in 1950, Thomasina entered the IHMs. Four years later, I followed in her footsteps, graduated, and also entered the IHMs. Sister Jeremy, the former Thomasina Hornung, has been a loyal friend, colleague and confidante for over half a century, and I can still hear her laugh! How we all miss her.

by Sister Mariam Pfeifer, IHM