Sister Marionette Coll, a member of the IHM congregation, recently celebrated her 104th birthday in a joyous gathering at the Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Surrounded by friends, Sister Marionette expressed her delight, stating, “Well, it feels good. You get a lot of attention.” This milestone marks a remarkable journey for a woman who has dedicated much of her life to service and community.
Born on November 17, 1921, in Pittsburgh, Sister Marionette was the youngest of twelve children in a large Irish Catholic family. At the age of 17, she made the significant decision to join the convent, a moment she recalls vividly. “When I came to the convent, I came on the night train from Pittsburgh, by myself,” she shared. “The sisters got me a special card for clergy. And I wasn’t clergy.”
Decades of Service and Memories
Over her extensive nine-decade career, Sister Marionette has witnessed monumental changes in the world. She has lived through the terms of 18 U.S. Presidents, is eight years older than the former country of Yugoslavia, and experienced the rise and fall of the Soviet Union. Yet, the most cherished part of her life has been her work with children. Reflecting on one memorable interaction, she recounted, “This one kid said to me one day, ‘You never get sick, do you?’ And I said, ‘No, so don’t plan on it. Because he wanted me to miss the damn school. I never missed a day of school.'”
Sister Marionette continues to embrace life with enthusiasm, enjoying daily games of Scrabble and meaningful conversations with those around her. Her perspective on longevity is simple yet profound. “I take that, you take it one day at a time, and you try to make that a good day,” she advised, emphasizing the importance of positivity in daily life.
A Legacy of Joy and Community
The celebration at Our Lady of Peace Residence was a testament to Sister Marionette’s impact on her community. Residents and friends gathered to honor her contributions and share in her joy. Her warm personality and dedication to service have made her a beloved figure among those who know her.
As Sister Marionette reflects on her remarkable life, she remains committed to her daily routines and the connections she has built. Her story serves as an inspiration, reminding others of the importance of community, faith, and the joy of simple pleasures, such as a game of Scrabble.
In the words of Sister Marionette, her approach to life is clear: “You take it one day at a time.” As she moves forward, she plans to continue enjoying her favorite activities and the company of friends, celebrating each day as it comes.
