Sister Mary Dawson, IHM

OBITUARY

Sister Mary Dawson, IHM, (formerly known as Sister Mary of Nazareth) of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, PA.

Born on March 14, 1939, in Scranton, PA, Sister Mary was the daughter of the late William and Mary Langan Dawson. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 7, 1956, made temporary profession of her vows on March 12, 1959, and final profession of her vows on March 12, 1964. Sister Mary received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Marywood College, and a Master of Science degree in education from the University of Portland.

Sister Mary served as a teacher at the following schools: Our Lady of Lourdes Catechetical Center in Tobyhanna, PA, from 1959 to 1960; St. Paul Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1960 to 1965; and St. Henry Elementary School in Portland, OR, from 1965 to 1969.

Sister served as principal at the following schools: St. Joseph Elementary School in Danville, PA, from 1969 to 1971; St. Raymond Elementary School in East Rockaway, NY, from 1971 to 1978; and Our Lady of Peace Elementary School in Clarks Green, PA, from 1978 to 1981.

Sister Mary served as curriculum coordinator and director of curriculum and instruction for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York, from 1986 to 1991.

Sister also served on the leadership team for the IHM Congregation, from 1986 to 1990; administrator at Our Lady of Grace Center in Manhasset, NY, from 1991 to 2005; assistant director of the elementary department at National Catholic Education Association in Washington, DC, from 2006 to 2007; as a volunteer in the office of Missioning and Programming at NativityMiguel Network of Schools in Washington, DC, from 2007 to 2010; as a volunteer at the Spanish Catholic Center in Washington, DC, from 2010 to 2011; and as a volunteer at Friends of the Poor in Scranton, PA, from 2011 to 2014.

From 2014 until the time of her death, Sister Mary was a prayer minister at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton.

A cherished family member, Sister Mary spent every holiday surrounded by her family, creating traditions, laughter, and lasting memories with her cousin, Sue, and Sue’s children, Richard, Christopher, Robert, Michele, Thomas, and her goddaughter, Deirdre, along with their spouses and families. She played an integral role in the upbringing of Sue’s children and was a constant source of guidance, love, and support. Holiday celebrations were often shared with cousins Pati Taylor, Scott Taylor, and Mary Nicolato-Ingoglia.

She was predeceased by her parents, her cousin Sue, and Aunt Mil, as well as by many cousins, aunts, and uncles with whom she now reunites in eternal peace.

Sister Mary is survived by a goddaughter, Deirdre Gaspari; cousins and extended family on the East Coast and West Coast; dear friend, Sister Therese O’Rourke, IHM; and by the members of the IHM Congregation.

The funeral will be Wednesday, January 28, at 11:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Residence, 1510 University Avenue in Dunmore, PA. Friends may call at Our Lady of Peace Residence on Wednesday, January 28, between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. A prayer service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at a later date at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made to support the retired Sisters of IHM c/o the Sisters of IHM Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.

Sister Mary Dawson

January 20, 2026