Funeral Mass was held Nov. 3 at Miraculous Medal Church in Montebello for Religious of the Sacred Heart Sister Mary (Bernard) Thornton, 91, who died Oct. 25. A member of her religious community for 72 years, Sister Thornton spent six decades as an educator and served nearly a half-century as a teacher and principal in California schools.

Sister Mary (Bernard) Thornton

Born in Co. Mayo, Ireland, one of 11 children, Sister Thornton made her novitiate in Tarrytown, New York and taught in schools there for 13 years. From 1945-92, she served as a dedicated and beloved high school teacher and principal at Corvallis High School, Studio City; Mother Butler High School, San Jose; and Sacred Heart of Mary School, Montebello. She also taught at the Vincentian Seminary in Montebello.

After retiring from teaching, she kept in touch with myriads of students, made sandwiches for the homeless at Miraculous Medal Church, crocheted dolls for needy children and swam daily at the local YMCA. Survivors include four brothers, their families and many nieces and nephews. Burial was at Calvary Cemetery.

Sr. Rita McDonough, OP
Funeral Mass was held Nov. 16 at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan for Dominican Sister Rita (formerly Sister Marie Martin) McDonough, 85, who died Nov. 11.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Sister McDonough entered the Adrian Dominican Congregation after her graduation from St. Joseph Academy. She spent 50 years ministering in education in Detroit and St. Joseph, Mich.; Des Moines, Iowa; Jacksonville, Fla.; Los Angeles; Henderson, Nev.; Chillum, Md.; and several cities in Illinois.

Survivors include a sister, Dominican Sister Josephine McDonough, and many nieces and nephews. Memorial gifts may be sent to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI 49221.

Jose M. Magaņa
Funeral Mass was held Nov. 15 at St. Anthony Church in Long Beach for Jose M. Magaņa, who died Nov. 10. Magaņa was the father of Father Jose Magaņa, administrator at St. Anthony Church.

Survivors include his wife, Rosario and their children: Father Magaņa, Jesus, Rosario, Guadalupe and Maria. Burial was at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Rowland Heights.

Fr. Ramon M. Andreu, SJ
Funeral Mass was celebrated Nov. 16 at St. Kevin Church, Los Angeles, for Jesuit Father Ramon M. Andreu, 81, who died Nov. 11. A native of Bilbao, Spain, Father Andreu had served at St. Kevin since 1970. He had been a priest for 49 years, ordained for the Venezuelan Province of the Society of Jesus.

Mary Catherine Pokorny, IHM
Funeral Mass was celebrated Nov. 23 at All Souls Chapel in Calvary Cemetery, Los Angeles, for Immaculate Heart Community member Mary Catherine Pokorny, 84, who died Nov. 18.

A native of Omaha, she had been a member of the Immaculate Heart Community for 66 years, teaching in the community's elementary and high schools in Los Angeles, Long Beach and San Luis Obispo.

From 1951-1954 she served as controller of Immaculate Heart College, then returned to teach social studies and business courses at Immaculate Heart, Bishop Amat and St. Bernardine high schools. A dedicated, diligent teacher, she inspired her students to work hard and achieve their goals.

During the 1970s, Pokorny worked as a professional secretary for several large companies. Due to her failing health, she retired from active employment to live with her community at the Kenmore residence in Los Angeles. "Her devotion to the Blessed Mother marked her life of prayer," said a statement from the IHM Community. "Throughout her life, Mary Catherine was devoted to others, interested in everything, and fun-loving. She especially enjoyed traveling with friends."

She is survived by her cousin, Alice Ruzicha, and her family. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mary Catherine Pokorny may be made to Immaculate Heart Community, 5515 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028.