Posted March 12, 2009

Compiled by
Angela Arrington

Sister Eileen F. Hughes, I.H.M.
Sister Eileen F. Hughes I.H.M., formerly Sister Eileen Immaculate, died Feb. 13, 2009, at Camilla Hall after a struggle with metastasized melanoma.

She was born in Philadelphia and graduated from Notre Dame High School in Moylan. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in 1954 and professed her first vows in 1956. She earned her undergraduate degree from Immaculata College, a master’s degree from Villanova University in mathematics and a second master’s from Immaculata University in counseling psychology.

She spent several years teaching secondary education at all levels of mathematics and guided students from Villa Maria Academy seeking admission to various colleges and universities.

She received the “For God and Youth Award” from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office for Youth and Young Adults in recognition of her service to the youth of the Archdiocese and for her efforts to further the cause of youth ministry through various outreach programs and activities she sponsored. She inspired students to serve the underprivileged and residents of nursing homes, a focus that remained with students after graduation.

She is predeceased by her parents, Frank J. and Agnes Hennessy Hughes, two cousins, Sister Mary Augustus Hennessy, I.H.M., and Father Augustine Hennessy, C.P.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Feb. 18 at Camilla Hall. Interment followed in the Immaculata Cemetery.

She is survived by her brother, Father James F. Hughes, her sisters, Dolores and Sister Agnes Hughes, I.H.M., and her religious community.