Sister Marie Rooney, IHM

Sister Marie Rooney, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Thursday, February 28, 2008, at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, PA.

She was born on September 25, 1913 in Wilkes-Barre, PA, and given the name Mary O. She was the daughter of the late William J. and Mary Ellen Loughney Rooney. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1936, made temporary profession of her vows on May 8, 1939, and final profession of her vows on August 3, 1942.

Sister Marie served as a teacher at the following schools: St. Patrick Elementary School in Oneida, NY, from 1939 to 1941; St. Peter of Alcantara Elementary School in Port Washington, NY, from 1941 to 1942; and at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Elementary School in Forest Hills, NY, from 1942 to 1943.

Sister then served on the faculty in the Home Economics Department at Marywood College in Scranton, PA, from 1943 to 1981. She also served as a seamstress at the IHM Center in Scranton, PA, from 1981 to 1984.

From 1984 until the time of her death, Sister Marie served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent and Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton.

She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Marywood College and a Master of Arts degree from Columbia University.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Evelyn Catherine, and a brother, William.

She is survived by two sisters, Sister Wilma, IHM, of Scranton, PA, and Peggy Ronky of Reading, PA; a brother, Thomas of Wilkes-Barre, PA; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be Wednesday, March 5, at 11:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Residence, 2300 Adams Avenue in Scranton. Interment will follow at St. Catherine Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call at Our Lady of Peace Residence on Tuesday, March 4, between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 4:30 p.m.

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Reprinted from “In Memoriam” section of Journey, Fall 2008 issue

Sister received her heavenly reward on February 28, 2008, after many years of teaching and ministering.

When she entered she already had her bachelor’s degree from Marywood College. After profession, Sister Mare, as she was then known in religious life, was sent to New York, where she taught grade school while working on her master’s degree at Columbia University. All her classes were scheduled for evenings and Saturdays.

Upon receiving her degree, she was brought back to Marywood College where she taught in the Home Economics Department. It was then that Mother Marcella said; “Your name is now going to be Sister Marie; we don’t want anyone to call you the ‘old grey mare.’”

Marie was a great teacher and a good friend to the girls. She taught them everything from upholstering to sewing slip covers. A special project she had was to make First Communion outfits. These were given to needy children.

When she retired to the Marian Convent, she continued to sew for anyone who asked her. Marie felt that she was like “Dorcas,” the woman whom St. Peter brought back to life. She then arose and ministered to them.

The following verse was found in Marie’s wallet:

I’d like the memory of me
to be a happy one,
I’d like to leave an afterglow
of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo
whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times
and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve,
to dry before the sun
Of happy memories that I leave
When life is done.

by Sister M. Wilma Rooney, IHM