Sister M. Kenneth McHugh, IHM

Sister M. Kenneth McHugh, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Wednesday, May 3, 1961, at St. Peter of Alcantara Convent in Port Washington, NY

She was born on December 23, 1900 in Scranton, PA, and given the name Margaret. She was the daughter of the late John and Anna Lilly McHugh. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1922, received the religious habit on December 28, 1922, and made profession of her vows on December 29, 1924.

Sister Kenneth served as a teacher at the following schools: St. John the Evangelist School in Pittston, PA, in 1923; St. Cecilia Academy in Scranton, PA, from 1924 to 1925; St. Alphonsus School in New York, NY, from 1925 to 1926; St. Ephrem School in Brooklyn, NY, from 1927 to 1938; and St. Peter of Alcantara School in Port Washington, NY, from 1938 to 1941.

Sister served as principal and superior at St. Paul School in Edgewood, RI, from 1941 to 1955; and St. Peter of Alcantara School in Port Washington, NY, from 1955 until the time of her death.

She was preceded in death by a brothers, John T.; two sisters, Anna and Grace McHugh; and an aunt in community, Sister M. Cephas McHugh, IHM.

She is survived by three brothers, Reverend Joseph, pastor of St. Thomas Church, Dickson City, PA, and Peter and Attorney Francis X., both of East Orange, NJ; a sister, Mary Donohoe of Scranton, PA; nieces and nephews. She is also survived by several cousins, including Monsignor Frank P. McHuch, V.F., pastor of Annunciation Parish in Williamsport, PA, Dr. Gerald M. McHugh, and the Misses Mary and Catherine McHugh, all of Scranton, PA.

A solemn requiem mass will be offered on Friday, May 5, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Peter of Alcantara Church, Port Washington, NY. The funeral will be Saturday, May 6, at 9:30 a.m. at the Marian Convent, followed by interment at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow, PA. Friends may call on Friday evening at the Marian Convent.

Archival Remembrance:

Sister Kenneth’s serious condition and cruel disease had taken toll of her before it was realized that her case was critical. Her ready smile and benign manner gave little token of the progress of her malady. The Sisters at St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn, NY, recognized the saintly qualities of this fervent Sister, and considered it a privilege to care for her. Her community spirit made her long to return to her convent. Death came after a few days. Sister Kenneth was loved by all, especially in her office of Superior. Her gentleness spread the peace of God around her. To know her was to love her. Her death is a great loss to our Community. As we prayer for her soul, we ask God to grant us in His mercy, many saint Sister Kenneth’s, who like her will spread God’s love and kindness to all.