Sister M. Scholastica Chainey, IHM
February 16, 1893 – May 9, 1982
Sister M. Scholastica Chainey, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Sunday, May 9, 1982 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania, after an extended illness.
Born on February 16, 1893 in Bessemer, Michigan, and given the name Emily, she was the daughter of late Benjamin and Emilia Courtois Chainey. She received her education from the Sisters of IHM at the IHM Academy in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and graduated in 1909. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 19, 1910, received the religious habit on August 2, 1911, and made profession of her vows on August 2, 1913.
Sister Scholastica was an accomplished musician, having earned a Ph.D. in Music from the University of Toronto. She authored a series of music education books, “Song Wings,” a course of study in Gregorian Chant, and the music for “Heart Immaculate,” an IHM community hymn.
Sister Scholastica served as a music teacher at the following schools: St. Paul School in Scranton, PA, from 1913 to 1914 and 1955 to 1974; Marywood College in Scranton, PA, from 1914 to 1915, 1920 to 1925, and 1929 to 1931; St. Cecilia Academy in Scranton, PA, from 1915 to 1919; Most Holy Rosary School in Syracuse, NY, from 1919 to 1920 and 1948 to 1955; and St. Mary of the Mount School in Pittsburgh, PA, from 1925 to 1929. She was the supervisor of music for the IHM Congregation for a period of two decades, including at Marywood College, from 1931 to 1948.
From 1974 until the time of her death, Sister Scholastica was a prayer minister at the Marian Convent.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Laura Mary Boucher, Elsie Amelia Bohm, and Sr. M. Genoveva, IHM, and a brother, Louis Benjamin.
She is survived by a sister, Celine Maher of California, nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be Tuesday, May 11 with Mass of Christian Burial in the Marian Convent Chapel at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow, Pennsylvania. Friends may call at the Marian Convent Monday afternoon or evening.
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.
Class of 1909 – graduation photo of Illa Chainey in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
photo credit: Bill Kapaun
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.