IHM: Retirement

IHM Retirement Needs

Each year the IHM community faces growing financial challenges for retirement and skilled health care. The community provides continuous assistance and nursing care to over 200 retired and infirmed sisters living at the Motherhouse. In addition, over 90 sisters living independently receive their support from the Retirement Fund. During decades of service to others, most of these women received low stipends in lieu of salaries and were excluded from Social Security until 1972. The ever-increasing costs of daily living have been met through prudent use of sisters' earnings, Social Security and from the support of our friends. However, this does not cover all expenses for our retired sisters.

The cost of care continues to increase for the retired IHM Sisters at the Motherhouse. We are grateful for our friends who support our retired and infirm sisters.

Sister Noeleta (James Mary) O'Dea (standing) and Sister Marguerite (Ann Philip) Daly have been friends throughout their 63 years as IHMs. Sister Noeleta assists Sister Marguerite on their daily walk on the veranda at the Motherhouse.

After reading an article about the need for "Caring Quilts," nine retired IHMs gather in the Sewing Room of the Motherhouse each week to lovingly make bedrolls for the homeless on Monroe streets and area shelters including (L-R) organizer Sister Dorothy (Rozalia) Eddy, Sister Stephanie Mueller and Sister Ann Isabelle Tefend.

"By sewing together old blankets, bedspreads and sheets, stuffing them with a little pillow and a bag of toiletries, and tying the sleeping bags with old neckties as carrying straps, we are helping the poor and homeless of Monroe stay a little warmer on a cold Michigan night."
- Sister Dorothy Eddy

Sister Rita (Marie Ambrose) Rennell (left) models a finished bedroll for the homeless.

Sister Rose Carmel Burgess creatively supports the sisters through her musical and caligraphy talents.

Thank you for considering a gift for retired IHMs. For additional information, e-mail or call the Development Office at 734-240-9860.