Posted September 2, 2025

Sister Marie Carroll Isselmann died in Chester County Hospital on August 19, 2025.  Sister Carroll was in the 66^th year of her religious life. Marie was born on July 4, 1941 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Mr. Isselmann was born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Mrs. Isselmann was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Marie’s parents, Edward J. Isselmann, Sr. and Marie M. (Carroll) Isselmann settled in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania with their children Marie Carroll, John, and Edward but later moved to St. Philomena Parish in Lansdowne.

Marie attended Manor Public Elementary in New Cumberland, PA (1947-1949) and St. Theresa Catholic Elementary (1949-1953). Marie completed her elementary education in St. Philomena School in Lansdowne (1953-1955) and then attended West Catholic Girls’ High School in Philadelphia (1955-1959). Later, while in Community, Sister earned a B.S. degree from Immaculata in Home Economics, an M.S. degree from Drexel University in Home Economics, and a D.Ed. from Rutgers University in Science.

Marie Carroll entered the Community on July 16, 1959, she received her habit and her religious name, Sister Edward Therese, on January 18, 1960. Sister Edward Therese pronounced her First Vows on January 18, 1962. When the Sisters were given the opportunity to do so, Sister Edward Therese returned to the use of her baptismal name, Sister Marie Carroll.

Not long after Profession of Vows, Sister Carroll was assigned to teach second grade children at St. Alice School in Upper Darby (1/62-6/63), then to St. Pius X School in Broomall (9/63-6/65) to teach first graders. In the fall of 1965, Sister went to St. Thomas More School in Arlington, VA to teach third graders (65-68) and seventh graders (68-72). This period marked the end of Sister’s ministry in elementary school. In the fall of 1962, Sister Carroll taught high school students at Archbishop Carroll High School through the term ending 1978.

During the period between 1978-1981, Sister Carroll pursued studies at Rutgers University where she earned her D.Ed. Degree in Science. In the fall of 1981, Sister began her ministry at Immaculata College. Sister Carroll was an exemplary teacher, colleague, mentor, and Sisterly example throughout campus and beyond. In November 1996 through August 2009 Sister Carroll served as the Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs and later served as the Director of Strategic Initiatives. Sister Carroll continued working diligently, faithfully, and lovingly at her beloved Immaculata from early in her religious life until her retirement at the term’s end in 2025.

Sister Marie Carroll earned the title Pastoral Emeritae – Graduate Nutrition. This title of honor and merit, granted for serving the Community of Immaculata faithfully for a significant period, acknowledged her many outstanding contributions.  God rest you, Sister Marie Carroll Isselmann and thank you.

Sister Carroll is survived by, in addition to her IHM Community, her brothers John E. Isselmann and Edward J. Isselmann (Eileen) and her many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Sister’s parents Edward J. Isselmann, Sr. and Marie M. (Carroll) Isselmann predecease Sister Carroll.

Reverend John Burger, C.S.C. was the main celebrant and homilist for Sister Carroll’s Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025.  Joining Father Burger as concelebrants were Father Francis Chambers, OSA, Father Thomas Higgins, Father Kenneth Omeke, Deacon Thomas O’Brien, and Deacon Joseph Bernauer. The Most Reverend Michael J. Fitzgerald attended at the altar to honor the memory and service of Sister Carroll Marie Isselmann.

In Sister Marie Carroll’s memory, a memorial donation may be sent to:

Camilla Hall Nursing Home
IHM Mission Advancement Office
230 IHM Drive
Malvern, PA 19355