Sister Mary Roche, IHM

Sister Mary Roche, IHM, (formerly known as Sister M. Agatha) of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Thursday, August 26, 2004, at the Marian Convent in Scranton, PA.

Born on June 21, 1927, in Pittston, PA, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Catherine Dougher Roche. She entered the IHM Congregation on February 2, 1947, made temporary profession of her vows on August 2, 1949, and final profession of her vows on August 2, 1952.

Sister Mary served a music teacher at St. Hugh Catechetical Center in Hughesville, PA, from 1949 to 1954. She served as an elementary and music teacher at Holy Name of Jesus Elementary School in Forty-Fort, PA, from 1954 to 1955; and a junior high school teacher at St. Clare Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1959 to 1960. Sister also taught at schools located in Forest Hills, NY, and LaPlata and Dundalk, MD.

Sister Mary served as a principal at the following schools: St. Joseph High School in Williamsport, PA, from 1967 to 1969; Bishop O’Reilly High School in Kingston, PA, from 1969 to 1978; Pocono Central Catholic High School in Cresco, PA, from 1978 to 1979; and Bishop Hannan High School in Scranton, PA, from 1979 to 1986.

Sister also served as the Archivist for Marywood College in Scranton, PA, from 1986 to 2000.

From 2000 until the time of her death, Sister Mary was a prayer minister at the Marian Convent in Scranton.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marywood College, and a Master of Education degree from Duquesne University.

She is survived by two brothers, Thomas of Endwell of NY, and John (Jack) of Fenton of MI; nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be Tuesday, August 31, at 9:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at the Marian Convent, followed by interment at St. Catherine Cemetery, Moscow, PA. Friends may call Monday from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Marian Convent.