Sister M. Joel O’Rourke, IHM

Sister M. Joel O’Rourke, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Friday, May 22, 1998, at the Marian Convent in Scranton, PA.

She was born on May 10, 1910, in Archbald, PA, and given the name Eleanor. She was the daughter of the late Daniel P. and Anna Kelly O’Rourke. She entered the IHM Congregation on August 1, 1928, made temporary profession of her vows on April 14, 1931, and final profession of her vows on August 2, 1934.

Sister Joel served as teacher at the following schools: St. Patrick Elementary School in Spangler, PA, from 1931 to 1933; St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Bellefonte, PA, from 1933 to 1935; St. Mary Elementary School in Avoca, PA, from 1935 to 1943; St. Mary of Mount Carmel Elementary School in Dunmore, PA, from 1943 to 1945; Most Holy Rosary Elementary School in Syracuse, NY, from 1945 to 1953; St. Joseph Elementary School in Williamsport, PA, from 1953 to 1954; St. Patrick Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1954 to 1956; St. Ambrose Elementary School in Bridgeport, CT, from 1958 to 1964; St. Joseph Elementary School in Williamsport, PA, 1964 to 1967; St. Ephrem Elementary School in Brooklyn, NY, from 1967 to 1976; St. Mary’s Elementary School in Manhasset, NY, from 1976 to 1977; and St. Dominic Elementary School in Oyster Bay, NY, from 1977 to 1986.

Sister served as principal at St. Patrick Elementary School in White Haven, PA, from 1956 to 1958.

Sister Joel also served on the support staff of the Marywood College Library in Scranton, PA, from 1986 to 1987.

From 1987 until the time of her death, Sister Joel was a prayer minister at the Marian Convent.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English/social studies, and a Master of Science degree in religious education, both from Marywood College.

She was preceded in death by four sisters, Mary (infant), Agnes O’Rourke, Bernadette O’Rourke, and Alice McVale, and two brothers, Daniel and Joseph.

She is survived by a brother, Gerald of Lackawanna, NY, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

The funeral will be Wednesday, May 27, at the Marian Convent. Interment will follow at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow, PA. Friends may call at the Marian Convent on Tuesday after 2:00 p.m.

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Archival Remembrance:

A dedicated minister of God’s word, Sister Joel O’Rourke gave loving service for 68 years as an IHM sister. Marked by a spirit of detachment and devotion to prayer, she faithfully served as an elementary teacher where she shared her gentle presence with countless numbers of children and families.

Archbald, Aug. 2 – Miss Eleanor O’Rourke, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel P. O’Rourke, of Pine Street, entered the Immaculate Heart of Mary Order at Marywood, Scranton, Wednesday, as a novice. Miss O’Rourke received her education in the public schools here, graduating at the Archbald High School, class of 1928. She has ever been devout and religious and her many young friends extend best wishes for complete happiness in her religious vocation. Miss O’Rourke is a cousin of the late lamented Rev. Francis Siddons of this place.

The Scranton Republican · Scranton, Pennsylvania · Friday, August 03, 1928 · Page 13