Sister Mary Charlene Whitaker IHM died on Thursday, May 19, 2022 in Camilla Hall. Sister was in the 72nd year of her religious life.
Norene E. Whitaker was born on February 13, 1929. Her parents, Charles B. and Mary (Wilkinson) Whitaker raised their large family in Annunciation Parish in Shenandoah, PA.
Norene attended West Mahanoy Township Public Elementary School (1934-1941) and Annunciation Elementary (1941-1942) and Shenandoah Catholic High School (1942-1946). Later, while in the Community, Sister earned degrees from Immaculata College (A.B., Education, and History) and Villanova University (M.A. Education).
Norene entered the Congregation on February 2, 1950. She received her habit and her religious name, Sister Mary Charlene, on August 16, 1950 and she pronounced her First Vows on August15, 1952.
Shortly after Sister Charlene made First Profession, she began her ministry of teaching elementary grade children; Sister taught children in all grades but third and fourth from September 1956 through June 1999. Sister’s teaching journey included Holy Family Manayunk; Our Lady of Fatima Eddington; Transfiguration Philadelphia; St. Dominic Philadelphia; St. Cecilia Philadelphia, Sacred Heart Manoa; St. Augustine Bridgeport; St. Alice Upper Darby; St. Louis Yeadon; and Our Lady of Fatima Secane.
In the fall of 1999 through the school year ending in 2007, Sister went to St. Charles in Drexel Hill where she taught religious enrichment to children in grades 4, 5, and 6; Sister also lent valuable Office Assistance. At the conclusion of this school year, Sister brought all of her gifts of prayer and loving service to serve our Sisters in Camilla Hall as a staff member and beloved member of the Apostolate of Prayer team.
Sister served the Lord and her community with faithful and joyful service. May she rest in peace!
In addition to her IHM Community, Sister Charlene is survived by her brother Bill Whitaker (Joanne) and many nieces and nephews. Sister is predeceased by her parents Charles B. and Mary (Wilkinson) Whitaker, her brothers Charles (Janet), Joseph (Anne), and James and her sisters Mary Whitaker and Margaret Foley (John).
Reverend Timothy Judge celebrated Sister’s Funeral Mass on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. Reverend Michael Callaghan, CM concelebrated with Father Judge.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to:
Camilla Hall Nursing Home
IHM Mission Advancement Office
230 IHM Drive
Malvern, PA 19355