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BORN
1924,
DIED
2017
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Helen McHale Obituary
Sister was born Aug. 13, 1924, and grew up Hazleton. She was the daughter of Austin and Mary Conahan McHale. After graduating from the former St. Gabriel's High School in Hazleton, Sister attended the McCann School of Business and worked as bookkeeper for four years. She entered the Sisters of Mercy in Dallas on Sept. 8, 1947, and professed her vows on March 12, 1950.
After entering the Sisters of Mercy, she received her bachelor's degree from Misericordia University and her MRL from St. Mary's Hospital School for Medical Record Librarians in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Her ministry evolved in health care at the former Mercy Hospital in Scranton. There she first served in the admissions office and then received training to be a medical records librarian. For 45 years, Sister either worked in or was the director of the hospital's medical records department. During those years Sister was also the Sacristan for the hospital's chapel. As she retired from her full-time position, she became a Eucharistic minister and visited hospice patients. With change in ownership of the hospital, Sister came to Mercy Center in Dallas to participate in the ministry of prayer and presence.
Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Austin; and brother-in-law, Daniel Mulligan.
Sister is survived by her sisters, Mary McHale Mulligan, New Jersey; and Catherine McHale Bommer and husband, Robert, York; her brother, Robert McHale and wife, Valarie, Virginia; her nieces and nephews; and the Sisters of Mercy.
The Sisters of Mercy and the McHale/Bommer family wish to thank Mary Byrne for her friendship and devotion to Sister Helen Louise over many years.
The celebration of Sister's life will begin Friday at Mercy Center in Dallas with a prayer service at 9 a.m. followed by visiting hours until 10:15 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in St. Gabriel's Cemetery, Hazleton, at the convenience of the family and the Sisters of Mercy.
Memorial contributions in Sister's memory may be made to Mercy Center, P.O. Box 370, Dallas, PA 18612.
Condolences may be sent at www.eblakecollins.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Helen McHale
5 Entries
joan ehnot
March 13, 2017
I was fortunate in that I knew Sister since the early 60s and worked with her at Mercy Hospital. She was a credit to her Order and to the Hospital where she was a role model for the Medical Records Department.
My sympathy goes out to her family. Rest in peace Dear Sister.
Joyce McDonough
March 10, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
March 10, 2017
I worked for Sister for many years. She always looked out for others and had their best interest at heart. No one could ever take her place. Love you Sister. Rest in peace.
Cheryl Cali
March 10, 2017
I worked for Sister Helen Louise many years ago, and have always held her in high esteem. She was tough, but fair, and always had the best interests of Mercy Hospital and its employees at heart. She leaves a huge void with her passing. May she rest in peace.
Rich Heiser
March 8, 2017
Sr. Helen Louise was a dear, dear friend. She will be greatly missed.
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E. Blake Collins Funeral Home - Wilkes-Barre159 George Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705
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