Sister Geraldine M. Cantwell, IHM, formerly known as Sister M. Hugh Margaret, IHM died in Camilla Hall on Monday, November 13, 2023.
Geraldine was born on February 28, 1945, her parents Hugh and Margaret (Malarkey) Cantwell raised their family in St. Stephen Parish in Port Carbon, PA. Geraldine attended St. Stephen Elementary in Port Carbon (1951-1959); Nativity B.V.M. High School in Pottsville (1959-1963); and Ford School of Business in Pottsville (1963-1964). Later, while in Community, Sister earned her degree from Immaculata College.
Geraldine entered the Community on September 15, 1966; she received her habit and her religious name Sister M. Hugh Margaret on June 27, 1967, and pronounced her First Vows on June 28, 1969.
Sister served as an elementary school teacher in St. Catharine in Reading, St. Joseph in Ashland, and St. Joseph in Aston. Sister’s primary ministry over the course of her many years of service included rendering assistance in our Post Office at Immaculata College, the Learning Center at St. Patrick School in Norristown, clerical assistance in the following: St. Eleanor School, St. Madeline, St. Thomas in Croydon, Cardinal Brennan in Fountain Springs, Bishop Kenrick in Norristown, and Marian High School.
In March 1995, Sister Geraldine served in the Communications Office in Villa Maria House of Studies until August 2005. After this period of ministry, Sister Geraldine moved into Camilla Hall where she served as a member of the Apostolate of Prayer and Assistance team until her death on Monday, November 13, 2023.
God rest Sister Geraldine; may she know the fullness of peace in the kingdom of heaven.
In addition to her IHM Community, Sister is survived by her sisters, Sarah Anne Schlitzer (William), Margaret Mary Colton (Robert), and Blanche Kilpatrick and her many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Sister is predeceased by her parents Hugh John Cantwell and Margaret (Malarkey) Cantwell, and her brother-in-law Leo.
Reverend Michael Callaghan, CM (homilist) and Reverend John Burger, SSC concelebrated Sister Geraldine’s Funeral Mass on Saturday, November 18, 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