A vibrant celebration marked the 104th birthday of Sister Marionette Coll at the Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Surrounded by friends and fellow residents, Sister Marionette expressed her delight, stating, “Well, it feels good. You get a lot of attention.” Born on November 17, 1921, in Pittsburgh, she grew up in a large Irish Catholic family as one of twelve children.
At the age of 17, Sister Marionette made the significant decision to join the convent. Reflecting on her journey, she recalled her arrival: “When I came to the convent, I came on the night train from Pittsburgh, by myself. The sisters got me a special card for clergy. And I wasn’t clergy.” Her commitment to her faith has spanned over nine decades, during which she has witnessed substantial historical changes.
Witness to History
Throughout her lifetime, Sister Marionette has experienced the leadership of 18 different U.S. Presidents and has lived longer than the former nation of Yugoslavia. She also witnessed the rise and fall of the Soviet Union, marking her life as one intertwined with significant global events.
Despite these monumental experiences, her greatest joy comes from interacting with children. Sister Marionette shared a memorable exchange with a child who remarked, “You never get sick, do you?” She humorously replied, “No, so don’t plan on it. Because he wanted me to miss the damn school. I never missed a day of school.”
Her resilience and positive outlook have been integral to her longevity. Sister Marionette continues to engage in daily activities such as playing Scrabble and enjoying conversations with those around her. “I take that, you take it one day at a time, and you try to make that a good day,” she advised.
As Sister Marionette Coll celebrates this remarkable milestone, her life story serves as a testament to faith, resilience, and the joy of companionship. With a spirit that remains undiminished, she plans to keep embracing each day with enthusiasm.
