Sister M. Sabina McHale, IHM

Sister M. Sabina McHale, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Tuesday, March 6, 2001, at the Marian Convent in Scranton, PA.

She was born on March 24, 1916 in Scranton, PA, and given the name Mary. She was the daughter of the late Michael and Sabina Ruddy McHale. She entered the IHM Congregation on February 2, 1935, made temporary profession of her vows on August 2, 1937 and final profession of her vows on August 1, 1940.

Sister Sabina was a gifted musician, and served as a music teacher at the following local schools: St. Michael’s School for Boys in Hoban Heights, PA, from 1941 to 1943; St. Rose Elementary School in Carbondale, PA, from 1946 to 1949; St. Paul Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1952 to 1955; St. Patrick Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1955 to 1956; and St. Patrick Elementary School in Olyphant, PA, from 1969 to 1972.

Sister served as a music teacher at the following: St. Joseph Elementary School in Renovo, PA; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Elementary School in Asbury Park, NJ; St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Silver Spring, MD; and St. Dominic Elementary School in Oyster Bay, NY. St. Peter’s Catechetical Center in Wellsboro, PA, from 1945 to 1946; St. Patrick’s Catechetical Center in Milford, PA, from 1955 to 1957; St. Hugh’s Catechetical Center in Hughesville, PA, from 1957 to 1960; and St. Bernard’s Catechetical Center in Hastings, PA.

While stationed at the following convents, Sister Sabina also gave private music lessons: St. Patrick’s Convent in Scranton, PA, from 1980 to 1983; St. Joseph’s Convent in Williamsport, PA, from 1983 to 1985; St. John the Evangelist Convent in Bellefonte, PA; and in Baltimore, MD.

Sister Sabina served as a prayer minister in Altoona, PA, IHM Center in Scranton, PA, and at the Marian Convent.

She received a Bachelor of Music degree, and a Master of Science degree in education, both from Marywood College. She had been a member of the National Guild of Piano Teachers.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth Brittain, and a brother, Joseph McHale.

She is survived by a sister, Matilda Farber of Emporium, PA; a brother, William McHale of Reading, PA; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

The funeral will be Saturday, March 10, at 10:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at the Marian Convent, followed by interment at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow, PA. Friends may call at the Marian Convent on Friday between 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.