Sister M. Melissa Hester, IHM

Sister M. Melissa Hester, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, PA.

Born on July 28, 1923, in Richmond, VA, and given the name Anne, Sister Melissa was the daughter of the late Holly H. and Melissa Angela Darden Hester. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1941, made temporary profession of her vows on May 8, 1944, and final profession of her vows on August 2, 1947.  Sister Melissa received a Bachelor of Science degree in music/elementary education, and a Master of Science degree in elementary education/creative drama, both from Marywood College.

Sister Melissa served as a teacher at the following schools: St. Ignatius Catechetical Center in Kingston, PA, from 1944 to 1947; St. Ann Elementary School in Nyack, NY, from 1947 to 1951; St. Monica Elementary School in Raleigh, NC, from 1951 to 1954; Our Lady of Perpetual Help Elementary School in Rocky Mount, NC, from 1954 to 1959; St. Rita Elementary School in Dundalk, MD, from 1959 to 1960; Archbishop Neale Elementary School in La Plata, MD, from 1960 to 1961; Immaculate Conception Elementary School in Lock Haven, PA, from 1961 to 1963; Sacred Heart of Mary Elementary School in Jermyn, PA, from 1963 to 1964; Resurrection Catechetical Center in Muncy, PA, from 1964 to 1966; St. Patrick Elementary School in White Haven, PA, from 1966 to 1967; St. Leo Elementary School in Ashley, PA, from 1967 to 1969; St. Paul Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1969 to 1971; St. John Elementary School in Susquehanna, PA, from 1971 to 1973; St. Ephrem Elementary School in Brooklyn, NY, from 1973 to 1975; and St. Rose Elementary School in Carbondale, PA, from 1975 to 1977.

Sister also served as coordinator of religious education in the Diocese of Charlotte, NC, from 1978 to 1984; pastoral minister at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Plymouth, NC, from 1984 to 1987; pastoral minister at Mother of Mercy Parish in Washington, NC, from 1984 to 1987; pastoral associate at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Rocky Mount, NC, from 1987 to 1988; pastoral associate at St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lumberton, NC, from 1988 to 1989; diocesan regional coordinator for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, WV, from 1989 to 1998; pastoral minister to the sick at St. Paul Parish in New Bern, NC, from 1998 to 2000; and support staff member at the IHM Center in Scranton, PA, from 2000 to 2008.

From 2008 until the time of her death, Sister Melissa was a prayer minister at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul Thomas and Robert; and six sisters, Mary Angela Packard, Marie Therese Perry, Helen Davis, Mildred Hazard, Gertrude Elizabeth Hester and Ruth Wallace. Sister Melissa is survived by nieces and nephews; a grandnephew; and by the members of the IHM Congregation.

The funeral will be Monday, November 25, at 11:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Residence, 1510 University Avenue in Dunmore, PA. Friends may call at Our Lady of Peace Residence on Monday, November 25, between 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. A prayer service will be held at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow Mass on Monday at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow, PA.

Prayer of Remembrance

Funeral Mass

Reflection

Given by Sister Suzie Armbruster, IHM Leadership Team Member

Welcome everyone, as we gather today to celebrate the life of our Southern Belle, Sister Melissa Hester.

Melissa was born in Richmond, Virginia and given the name Anne by her parents, Holly and Melissa. Growing up in a bustling household of nine children, Melissa’s early life was undoubtedly filled with laughter, adventure and the enduring bonds of family.

In 1941, Melissa answered the call to faith, joining the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. On May 8, 1944, she professed her vows, embarking on a lifelong journey of discipleship.

Her ministry began in elementary education where she taught music. She taught the young children to sing and dance but also instilled in them a deep appreciation for the beauty of faith and the love of Jesus. It became the bridge for Melissa, connecting hearts and minds to the divine in a way that words alone could not.

As her ministry evolved, Melissa became deeply involved in catechetical work. She became a trail blazer in implementing Vatican II reforms. She played a pivotal role in developing catechesis for children, RCIA programs for parishes and the diocese, and helping to create opportunities for lay involvement. Melissa had an unshakable belief in an inclusive Church—one that embraced everyone, regardless of one’s role or station in life.

Melissa was not just a teacher or minister; she was a pioneer and often walked to her own beat. For much of her life she served in the South, a region often regarded as mission territory. Melissa definitely had “tar” on her heels for she managed to reside in North Carolina for many years.

For those fortunate enough to live or work alongside her, Melissa was a force of nature paired with her southern charm. At the dinner table, during beach gatherings, or at Sisters’ council meetings, Melissa would share stories of transformation, tales of adventures, and dreams of the work yet to be done. North Carolina, in particular, held a special place in her heart. She immersed herself in the life of the people, building bridges across denominations and fostering a spirit of ecumenism that was as practical as it was profound.

Melissa’s love for adventure extended beyond her ministry. She was a traveler at heart, embracing the beauty and diversity of God’s creation. Melissa approached every journey with joy and anticipation. Her sense of humor shone brightly in these moments, particularly when her companions teased her about her penchant for health food—a passion she embraced long before it became fashionable.

In her later years, Melissa became a beloved figure in the local community, making friends with neighbors who were delighted to drive her on many adventures.

Her life was a tapestry of laughter, resilience, and unwavering faith. She inspired others to live boldly, love unconditionally, and follow Jesus without hesitation. She was a trailblazer, and when she sang,” I have decided to follow Jesus… no turning back,” she lived those words every day of her life.

Today, as we bid farewell to Melissa, we celebrate not just the life she lived but the legacy she leaves behind. Melissa was a lover of people and a true woman of the Gospel.

As she enters the gates of heaven, with her walking staff in hand and leading the way, we can only imagine the joy of her reunion with her parents, siblings, and the many companions who walked this earthly journey with her. Fly high, Melissa, our Southern Belle, thank you for showing us what it means to live a life of purpose, joy and unshakable faith.