Obituary of Sister. M. Ignatia Clatch DM

Sister M. Ignatia Clatch, a member of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy, Villa Rossello, Newfield, NJ, went to her eternal rest on Wednesday, July 9, at Misericordia Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, York, PA where she had been a resident for two years. Sister Ignatia, born in Hazleton, PA, was the daughter of the late Michael and Violet (Schwick) Clatch of Hazleton, PA. She entered the Congregation of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy, in York, PA on Feb. 5, 1949 and professed her Vows on August 16, 1950. Dedicated to her religious vocation and to her ministry as an educator, Sister Ignatia was known as an outstanding First Grade and early childhood teacher. Having obtained her Bachelor's degree in elementary education from College Misericordia, Dallas, PA, Sister Ignatia taught in schools staffed by her religious order in Springfield and Milford, MA, Dunkirk, NY, Swedesboro and Millville, NJ; in St. Mary's Old Forge, PA, Most Precious Blood, Hazleton, PA , St. Joan of Arc, Hershey, PA, St. Holy Family School, Berwick, PA. and also at Holy Child Nursery, York, PA. In recent years and until the time of her retirement she was at Villa Rossello, Newfield, NJ serving her religious community as House Coordinator, cook and in various other ways. In addition to her parents, Sister Ignatia was preceded in death by her brother, James Clatch of Whitehall, PA. Surviving are her brother, Hilary Clatch and his wife Margaret, Hazleton, PA, her niece Theresa (Albert) Mariano of Emmaus, PA, her nephew Hilary (Maria) Clatch of Mifflinville, PA, great nephews and nieces, and by her religious community, the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Misericordia Nursing Center Chapel, York, PA at 11:00 AM on July 12. Relatives and friends may call at Misericordia Nursing Center Chapel, York, PA. on Saturday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Pietà Cemetery, on the grounds of the religious community's Provincial House in Newfield, NJ at 10 am on Monday morning, July 14. Donations in memory of Sister Ignatia may be made to the Daughters of Mercy, Villa Rossello, 1009 Main Road, Newfield, NJ 08344. Arrangements are under the supervision of Keffer Funeral Home, York, PA and Rone's Funeral Service, Newfield, NJ.