Posted July 13, 2026

Sister M. Geraldine O’Donnell died in Camilla Hall on June 25, 2026, in the 70^th  year as a Sister, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Geraldine was born September 28, 1938 to her parents, John and Gertrude (Martin) O’Donnell, both from Philadelphia, who raised their family of three daughters and four sons in St. Hugh Parish in the Fairhill section of Philadelphia. As a child Geraldine attended elementary school there and graduated from Little Flower High School in North Philadelphia in 1956. Predeceased by both her parents and her brother James, she is survived by her brothers Thomas, John and Jerry, her sisters Eileen Krokenberger and sister Gertrude (Sister Reparata O’Donnell, SSJ), as well as many nieces and nephews.

Entering the Immaculate Heart Sisters on September 8, 1956, Geraldine celebrated reception of her religious habit and name, Sister Thomas Martin, on March 9, 1957, and profession of her first vows on August 19, 1958. In 1971 Sister completed her Bachelor’s degree with a certification in Education from Immaculata College in 1979 and was awarded a certification in Elementary Education in 1979.

Sister Geraldine began her ministry as an elementary school teacher for first and second grades at St. Edmond School in Philadelphia for eight years. She then was transferred to St. Catherine in Reading for third grade, and subsequently to Holy Family, Harrisburg, St. Raymond in the Villas in New Jersey, and St. Pius X in Broomall for fourth grade. A change to teach third grade took her first to St. Francis Xavier in Philadelphia, and then to Holy Spirit in Mt. Carmel. Sister’s next move proved more distant as she traveled to Villa Maria LaPlanicie, Peru for grades five and six. After five years, Sister returned to the States as the grade four teacher in Penndel for a year, followed by third grade, first at St. Francis de Sales in Philadelphia and then St. Joseph, Downingtown where she was also appointed superior. In 1997 Sister moved to St. Laurence, Upper Darby for fourth grade as her final teaching assignment. There she also served as superior of the convent for six years. In August 2003, Sister became a pastoral minister at Camilla Hall, serving in this role for the next 17 when she transitioned to become a member of the Prayer and Presence community.

Reverend Francis Chambers, OSA celebrated Sister Geraldine O’Donnell’s Funeral Liturgy on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

In Sister Geraldine O’Donnell’s memory, a donation may be sent to:

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