Sr. Imelda Neaton, IHM, died Sept. 13, at her home, the IHM Motherhouse in Monroe. She was 97

She was born Dec. 12, 1912 in Emmett, one of eight children, four boys and four girls, of Peter and Anna (Donahue) Neaton, and was given the name Mary. She attended elementary schools in Goodale and Emmett, and graduated from St. Stephen High School, Port Huron. She became a member of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Monroe in 1931, taking the religious name of Sr. Imelda.

Sr. Neaton earned a bachelor’s degree from Marygrove College and a masters’ degree from Wayne State University, Detroit. She taught in formal education for 38 years at St. Mary of Redford, St. Agnes, St. Cecilia, Holy Redeemer, and Christ the King, all in Detroit; St. Patrick, Wyandotte; St. Mary, Wayne; St. Philip, Battle Creek and Marian High School, Bloomfield Hills.

Then, after a year as a nurses’ aide in the IHM Health Care Center in Monroe, she worked as secretary for four years for the IHM community. From 1976-79 she was a staff member at the Indian Mission Foundation in St. Stephens, Wyo. She returned to Marian High School as guidance secretary for three years and then ministered at the motherhouse in Monroe for 20 years as archives assistant. She entered the Health Care Center in 2003 where she resided until her death. She had been under the care of Mercy Memorial Hospice of Monroe.

Sr. Neaton is survived by a sister, Margaret; a brother, David; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers Francis, Philip and Joseph, and her sisters Betty LaPorte and Sr. Angelica, IHM.

Her funeral Mass was Sept. 17 at the IHM Motherhouse chapel. Memorials to the IHM Retirement Fund, 610 W. Elm Ave., Monroe, 48162-7909.