Sister Ann Immaculata Gallagher died very peacefully in Camilla Hall on Saturday, August 12, 2023, in the 68th year of her religious life.
Marie Catherine Gallagher was born on June 5, 1931, and died shortly after celebrating her 92nd birthday. Marie’s parents James Vincent and Catherine Gallagher raised their family of six children in Lansford, PA. Marie attended Elementary School at St. Ann (1937-1945) and Marian Catholic (formerly St. Ann) High School (1945-1949). While in Community, Sister earned an A.B. degree from Immaculata, and from the University of Notre Dame Sister earned an M.S. degree in Chemistry and a Ph.D. degree in Organic Chemistry.
Marie Gallagher entered the Congregation on September 8, 1955, she received her habit and her religious name, Sister Ann Immaculata on August 15, 1956, and pronounced her First Vows on August 15, 1957.
Shortly after First Profession, Sister Ann Immaculata served at Villa Maria High School in Green Tree for just one year. Sister then had the opportunity to study at Notre Dame University. In the fall of 1959, Sister Ann went to Immaculata College to instruct young women and later young men when the college went coeducational. Sister was a phenomenal educator who influenced generations of students. Sister always managed to make her subject clear and ‘graspable’ for all, especially for those students who needed her assistance more so than others. Sister spent herself for her students, her IHM Sisters, and her colleagues for 61 years at Immaculata University. In October 2020, when Sister’s health began to slow her down a bit, she continued her ministry of loving service and prayer at our Convent Home in Camilla Hall. Sister died peacefully in Camilla Hall on August 12, 2023. Sister Ann Immaculata was a prayerful, dedicated, and loving IHM Sister who dedicated all to our loving God. May she rest in peace.
In addition to her IHM Community, Sister is survived by her brothers Thomas (Joan) and Charles (Carolyn), sister-in-law Barbara and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Sister Ann is predeceased in death by her parents James Vincent Gallagher and Catherine (Nester) Gallagher, her brothers James (Mary), Bernard, and her sister Genevieve (George) Harven.
Reverend John Burger, SSC celebrated Sister Ann Immaculata’s Funeral Mass on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to:
Camilla Hall Nursing Home
IHM Mission Advancement Office
230 IHM Drive
Malvern, PA 19355