Sister M. Leonora Swanhart, IHM
February 16, 1908 – December 16, 2003
Sister M. Leonora Swanhart, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Tuesday, December 16, 2003 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born on February 16, 1908 in Ashville, Pennsylvania, and given the name Anna Thelma. She was the daughter of the late Matthew Swanhart and Mary Alice Wills Swanhart. She entered the IHM Congregation on December 28, 1924, made temporary profession of her vows on August 15, 1927, and final profession of her vows on December 8, 1930.
Sister Leonora served as teacher at the following schools: St. Ann Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1927 to 1930, St. Patrick Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1930 to 1937; Holy Rosary Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1938 to 1942 and 1970 to 1976; St. Joseph Elementary School in Danville, PA; St. Basil Elementary School in Dushore, PA; St. Bernard Elementary School in Hastings, PA; St. Matthew Elementary School in Wilmington, DE; St. Peter Elementary School in Poughkeepsie, NY; Most Holy Rosary Elementary School in Syracuse, NY; and St. Peter of Alcantara Elementary School in Port Washington, NY; as well schools located in Pittsburgh and Williamsport, PA; La Plata, MD; Forest Hills and Manhasset, NY.
From 1984 until the time of her death, she served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent.
She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Marywood College.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Edward Gordon; and two sisters, Ruth Roesch and Mary Shultz.
She is survived by a niece, Pamela Roesch, Aliquippa, PA; and a nephew, James Swanhart, Germantown, MD.
The funeral will be Saturday, December 20 at 9:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at the Marian Convent followed by interment at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call at the Marian Convent on Friday, December 19, between 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 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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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.