Sister M. John Joseph Schuyler died in Camilla Hall on the Feast of the Holy Souls on November 2, 2023 in the 66th year of her religious life. Sister is indeed a most Holy Soul who served her Sisters in Camilla Hall faithfully, generously, joyfully and carefully for 59 of her 66 years as a beloved IHM Member.
Hildegard “Hildie” Schuyler was born on June 9, 1939 in Pottstown, PA. Her parents John and Hildegarde (Forve) Schuyler later settled the family in St. James Parish in Penns Grove, NJ. Hildie attended elementary school in St. James Parish School (1945-1953); from there, Hildie had the opportunity to attend Villa Maria Academy in Green Tree, PA (1953-1957). Later while in the Congregation, Sister completed her degree work at Immaculata College and Camillus School of Practical Nursing.
“Hildie” entered the Congregation on July 16, 1957, she received her habit and her religious name, Sister John Joseph, on January 16, 1958; and she pronounced her First Vows on January 16, 1960. Shortly after Sister’s First Profession, Sister taught children in grade 1 at St. Anastasia School in Newtown Square from January 1960 through the school year ending June 1961. In the fall of 1962 through the school year ending in 1964 Sister taught children at St. Michael parish school in Annandale, VA.
The building of our convent home and infirmary for our sick Sisters, Camilla Hall, was completed in 1960. The need to educate some of our Sisters in the nursing profession arose. There seemed to be an unspoken recognition of Sister John Joseph’s unique gift in caring for others. Sister was chosen and agreed to undertake courses in the healthcare needs of our Sisters. While Sister was studying, she was learning via “on-the-job training.” For succeeding years, Sister John taught many novices by example and explanation the best way to care for our Sisters when we were volunteering our time to assist at Camilla. Sister John was the “go to” Sister when a novice had a question as to how to perform a particular task of caring.
In the recent past Sister John Joseph suffered a fall; she never recovered her former strength. In October 2023 Sister was transferred from her residence in Pacis Hall to Camilla Hall. Very slowly but steadily Sister’s strength declined. To the sorrow of all who knew and loved her, Sister John Joseph returned HOME with a heart full of good deeds, indeed something beautiful for God. Many many IHMs will remember well Holy Souls Day 2023. God rest her beautiful soul.
In addition to her IHM Community at Camilla Hall, our Congregation as a whole, her dear and beloved sisters, Sister Mary Regina Schuyler, IHM (S. Regina Joanne), Connie Flanagan, and Joan Dougherty (William), her nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and her faithful and long-time friend and fellow IHM Sister, Sister Maureen Peter O’Connor. Sister is predeceased by her parents John Michael Schuyler and Hildegard (Forve) Schuyler.
Reverend Michael Callaghan, CM and Reverend Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem concelebrated Sister John Joseph’s Funeral Mass on Wednesday, November 8, 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