Sister Maria Dolora Legnard, IHM

Sister Maria Dolora Legnard, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, died Thursday, April 5, 1984, at the Marian Convent in Scranton, PA, after an illness.

She was born on August 12, 1901 in Pittsburgh, PA, and given the name Anna. She was the daughter of the late Gilbert B. and Margaret Doyle Legnard. She entered the IHM Congre­gation on September 8, 1919, received the religious habit on December 27, 1919, and made profession of her vows on December 29, 1921.

Sister Maria Dolora served as a music and primary grade teacher at the following schools: Holy Rosary Elementary School in Scranton, PA; St. Paul Elementary School in Scranton, PA; St. Rose Elementary School in Carbondale, PA; St. Basil Elementary School in Dushore, PA; St. Bernard Elementary School in Hastings, PA; and St. Mary of the Assumption Elementary School in Upper Marlboro, MD. She also taught at elementary schools located in Lock Haven, PA.

Sister served as principal at St. Thomas School in Providence, RI.

In 1947, Sister Maria Dolora became administrator and superior at St. Joseph’s Shelter on Linden Street in Scranton, PA. Later she served as dean of residence of O’Reilly Hall (now Regina Hall) at Marywood College in Scranton, PA. By most local people, however, she will be remembered as administrator of the St. Joseph’s Childrens and Maternity Hospital in Scranton, PA, where she served for fifteen years.

From 1979 until the time of her death, Sister Maria Dolora served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent.

She was preceded in death by three brothers, Frank D., Gilbert and Robert, and a sister, Eleanor Legnard.

She is survived by sister, Sister Mary Francis Legnard, IHM; a brother, Judge James Legnard of Laguna Hills, CA; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be Monday, April 9, at 9:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at the Marian Convent. Interment will follow at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow, PA. Friends may call on Sunday afternoon or evening at the Marian Convent.