Posted May 11, 2026

Sister M. Theresa Bernadette Meade, formerly known as Sister M. James Elizabeth, died in Camilla Hall on April 18, 2026 in the 62^nd year of her religious life. In addition to her IHM Community, she is survived by her sister Mary Ann Meade and mourned by the faculty and staff of St. Pius X School where she served for 26 years. Born Theresa Bernadette, her parents were Earl and Elizabeth (Friel) Meade, with her father a Philadelphia native and her mother born in Donegal, Ireland.

Theresa attended Holy Spirit Elementary School in Sharon Hill for all eight grades and then Archbishop Prendergast High School from 1959 through 1963.  Entering the IHM congregation on September 8, 1963, Elizabeth received her habit and religious name on June 27, 1964, professing her first vows June 28, 1966 and final vows June 27, 1971. Sister James Elizabeth earned her Bachelor of Arts from Immaculata College in 1970 in Theology followed by a Master of Arts in Religious Studies from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in 1985. In 1976 she earned her certification as an Elementary teacher in Social Studies for the Commonwealth of PA.

Sister Theresa Bernadette began her teaching ministry at Epiphany School in Miami, FL teaching fourth grade, continuing there until she entered into studies in the Juniorate program at Villa Maria House of Studies in 1970.  After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, S. Theresa moved first to St. Cyril in Lansdowne to teach eighth grade, then St. Martin of Tours for six years in third grade, which level she continued to teach in her following five assignments at St. Martin of Tours, St. Aloysius Academy, Our Lady of Ransom, St. Alice, and St. Madeline/St. Rose. In 1992 Sister Theresa transitioned to St. Joseph School in Downingtown where she served as General Office Assistant and Grade 3 teacher. When transferred to S. Philomena in Lansdowne in 1993, Sister Theresa assumed duties as a library assistant which she continued for the next eight years, first at St. Philomena for three years and then at St. Aloysius Academy for four more.  In 2026 Sister transitioned to Camilla Hall as a member of the Prayer and Presence community.  Sister M. Theresa Bernadette Meade, IHM (Sister M. James Elizabeth, IHM), was called into eternity on Saturday evening, April 18, 2026, in Camilla Hall.

Sister Theresa Bernadette Meade’s Funeral Liturgy was celebrated on Thursday, April 23, 2025.  Reverend Monsignor William C. Kaufman, pastor of St. Pius X Church in Broomall was the celebrant and homilist and Reverend Francis Chambers, OSA concelebrated.

In Sister M. Theresa Bernadette Meade’s memory, a memorial donation may be sent to:

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