Sister Mercille Schneider

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Sister M. Mercille Schneider, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Sister died on Friday, May 31, 2024, at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton.

Born on July 7, 1927, in Providence, RI, and given the name Elizabeth, Sister Mercille was the daughter of John Walter and Mary Madeline McWilliams Schneider. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 7, 1950, made temporary profession of her vows on August 2, 1953, and final profession of her vows on August 2, 1956.  Sister Mercille received a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Marywood College, and a Master of Science degree in education from the University of Portland.

Sister Mercille served as a teacher from 1953 until 1984 in a variety of locations, including Baltimore, MD and Scranton, PA. She served as a parish minister at St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lumberton, NC, from 1984 to 1989, and during that time she also served in the IHM sponsored literacy program in Robeson County, NC.

Sister Mercille also served as director of the extended day program at St. John the Evangelist School in Silver Spring, MD, from 1990 to 1996; director of hospitality and activities at Our Lady of Grace Center in Manhasset, NY, from 1996 to 2004; and school office assistant at St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Silver Spring, MD, from 2004 to 2015.

From 2015 until the time of her death, Sister Mercille was a prayer minister at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Walter, and three sisters, Ann Johnson, Margaret “Peg” Alsfeld, and Madeline Kalberer. Sister Mercille is survived by nieces and nephews, and by the members of the IHM Congregation.  

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 18509-1514.

Burial and Committal Service will be held Wednesday at St. Ann Cemetery, 72 Church Ave., Cranston, RI at 11:00 A.M.

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