Sister Maria Virginia Mulherin, IHM

Sister Maria Virginia Mulherin, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died Saturday, December 21, 1985, at Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton, PA.

She was born on June 5, 1905 in Scranton, PA, and given the name Veronica. She was the daughter of the late Thomas and Bridget Gibbons Mulherin. She entered the IHM Congregation on March 25, 1927, received the religious habit on August 15, 1927, and made profession of her vows on August 2, 1929.

Sister Maria Virginia served as math and science teacher at the following schools: St. Paul High School in Scranton, PA; Holy Rosary High School in Scranton, PA; Bishop Hannon High School in Scranton, PA; St. Joseph High School in Williamsport, PA; and St. Dominic High School in Oyster Bay, NY. She also taught at high schools located in Pittsburgh, PA.

For over thirty years, Sister served as a member of the faculty of Marywood College in Scranton, PA, teaching education and geography during summer sessions, and extension courses.

From 1978 until the time of her most recent illness, Sister Maria Virginia served as a researcher for the IHM Congregation. She also served on several IHM Congregation committees, and was a delegate to the General Chapters of 1974, 1978, 1982, and 1984.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marywood College, and a Master of Science degree in mathematics/physics from Catholic University of America. She did further graduate study at Duquesne University, St. John’s University and the University of Scranton. She authored a series of geography workbooks and handbooks; and published articles on mathematics and geography in professional journals.

She was preceded in death by four brothers, James, Joseph, Robert, and Hubert.

She is survived by a brother, John of Scranton, PA; a sister, Sister Mary Gabriella Mulherin, M.M., of Maryknoll, NY; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be Tuesday, December 24, at 9:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at the IHM Generalate, on the grounds of Marywood College, Scranton. Interment will be at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow, PA. Friends may call at the IHM Generalate on Monday afternoon or evening.