Sister Marie Bernarde Kilcullen, IHM

Sister Marie Bernarde Kilcullen, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, died on Wednesday, April 19, 1989 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, PA, after an illness.

She was born on June 3, 1905 in Pittsburgh, PA, and given the name Agnes Bernadette. She was the daughter of the late Thomas and Mary Elizabeth Mallon Kilcullen. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1924, received the religious habit on December 29, 1924, and made profession of her vows on August 15, 1926.

Sister Marie Bernarde served as a music teacher at the following local schools: St. Patrick School in Scranton, PA; St. Joseph School in Williamsport, PA; Altoona Catholic High School in Altoona, PA; as well as at schools located in New York and Baltimore, MD.

Sister served as principal at the following schools: Sacred Heart of Mary Elementary School in Jermyn, PA; St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Binghamton, NY; and at St. Edward Elementary School in Twin Falls, ID.

She earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Marywood College, and a Master of Arts degree in music/music education from Columbia University.

She was preceded in death by a brother, John (infant), and six sisters, Bridget (infant), Susan Kilcullen, Mary Genevieve Dunne, Catherine Doyle, Jane Kelly and Anna Elizabeth Yelle.

She is survived by nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be Monday, April 24 at 10 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.

Archival Remembrance:

Sister Marie Bernarde’s long career as a music teacher was interspersed with service as an intermediate grade teacher and catechetical instructor. Graduates of St. Patrick’s in Scranton St. Josep’s in Williamsport, and Altoona Catholic High School in Altoona, will remember Sister for her work with choirs, glee clubs, and private music pupils.