Sister M. Melissa Hester, IHM
July 28, 1923 – November 20, 2024
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.
Donate in Sister's memory
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.
Very sorry to hear the sad news of Sister Melissa’s passing. My thoughts are with the family.
I’m so sorry to hear about Sister Melissa’s passing. She was my father’s cousin and spent many wonderful vacations with us in Oriental, NC over the years. She as always a joy to be around. Heaven has gained a special angel.