Sister Imelda Maria (Rita Fallon), 95, beloved member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, died at Bethany Health Care Center in Framingham, Mass. on May 13, 2020. Born in Southbridge, Mass., she was the daughter of Thomas and Imelda (Lataille) Fallon.
Sister Imelda Maria entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield from St. Mary Parish, Southbridge in 1941. She graduated from St. Mary High School in Southbridge and earned an A.B. degree from The College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee.
Sister Imelda ministered in the Diocese of Springfield as a teacher at Annunciation School, Florence, Blessed Sacrament School, Greenfield, and Cathedral High School, Springfield. She also served as media librarian at Cathedral High School and as media coordinator for the Diocesan Office of Religious Education. She taught in the Worcester Diocese at St. Ann School and St. Peter School, Worcester; Sacred Heart School, Gardner; St. Louis School, Webster and St. Mary School, Southbridge. Sister also served in several administrative positions at Mont Marie, Holyoke including coordinator of retired Sisters, assistant administrator and director of the Gift Shop.
In addition to her Sisters in Community, she leaves to cherish her memory her faithful friend Sr. Patricia James and several generations of loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Ruth and Teresa.
A private burial will be held on Friday at Mont Marie Cemetery with a Memorial Mass to be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 577 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.