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In Memory

Sister M. Marthine Culhane, IHM

February 19, 1917 – March 20, 2007

Marthine Culhane, IHM

Sister M. Marthine Culhane, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

She was born on February 19, 1917 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and given the name Mary E. She was the daughter of the late Thomas A. and Martha McMunn Culhane. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1936, made temporary profession of her vows on May 8, 1939, and final profession of her vows on August 2, 1942.

Sister Marthine served as a teacher at the following schools: St. Ann Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1951 to 1956; Monsignor McHugh Elementary School in Cresco, PA, from 1961 to 1967; St. Leo Elementary School in Ashley, PA, from 1983 to 1985; St. Paul Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1985 to 1988; Nativity Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1989 to 1994; St. Thomas Regional School in Providence, RI; St. Edward Elementary School in Twin Falls, ID; Sts. Philip and James Elementary School in Smithtown, NY; St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Clinton, MD; as well as at schools located in Coeur d’Alene, ID; Manhasset, NY; and Bridgeport, CT. She served as an instructor at St. Rose Elementary School and Sacred Heart Elementary Center, both in Carbondale, PA, from 1994 to 1999.

Sister served as principal at the following schools: St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Susquehanna, PA, from 1968 to 1970; St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Bellefonte, PA, from 1976 to 1981; St. Leo Elementary School in Ashley, PA, from 1981 to 1982; and at St. Mary Elementary School in Avoca, PA, in 1983.

Sister Marthine also served as the coordinator at the Marian Convent in Scranton, PA, from 1989 to 1994; and support staff member at the Marian Community Hospital in Carbondale, PA, from 1999 to 2001.

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

She received a Bachelor degree in education and a Masters degree in education, both from Marywood College.

She was preceded in death by four sisters, Margaret Munley, Martha, Elizabeth McDermott, and Sister Therese, IHM, and two brothers, Reverend Thomas, CSC, and Francis.

She is survived by two nieces, Mary Borthwich of New Hope, PA, and Alice Marie of Canton, CT, and two nephews, Mike McDermott of Valley Cottage, NY, and Patrick McDermott of Woodbury, MN.

The funeral will be Thursday, March 22 at 10:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Residence, 2300 Adams Avenue in Scranton followed by interment at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call at Our Lady of Peace Residence on Wednesday, March 21, 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 Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.


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

On March 20, Sr. Marthine entered into eternal life to be home with God, whom she loved and served faithfully for 65 years. Many of those years were spent teaching where she reached out to the needs of children, parents and friends. She shared her wisdom, spirituality and love with everyone and never considered any issues inconvenient or unimportant. When self sacrifice was involved or justice needed to be served, she found answers and would solve problems which often seemed beyond human reasoning.

After several years in the field of education, Sister accepted an assignment as coordinator at our Marian Convent. She journeyed with each sister and was an example of total commitment to maintaining a happy, holy environment. To all who were involved in the care of our sisters or maintenance of the building, her enthusiasm and generous spirit radiated. She easily became a friend to all who surrounded her.

When physical break-down occurred and mental impairment took over, Marthine once again became a teacher for all of us. Her illness awakened us to the fact that although our bodies may become physically impaired, life is always present. In these words, “I will take the cup of salvation, the chalice of your suffering, and drink of your precious blood,” Sr. Marthine taught us the lessons of acceptance, endurance and patient waiting for the invitation to come into the Kingdom.

As we continue to pray for the eternal life of Sr. Marthine, may we thank God for the time we shared with her. May her love for our beloved congregation and her wonderful, joyful spirit live on in us.

by Sr. Carleen Boehlert, IHM

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