Sister Margaret Mary McBride honored for decades of service

Sister Margaret Mary McBride received the RISE Lifetime Achievement Award at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, on Tuesday, March 31. The award honors those who embody resilience, innovation, service and empowerment (RISE) in their daily lives.

Margaret Mary devoted nearly 40 years to serving the patients at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, first as a nurse and later as vice president of Mission Integration. She also served as a longtime board member and in leadership positions at Mercy Care, a nonprofit managed care organization. Throughout her service, she has been—and continues to be—a guiding compass, always encouraging others to do what is right for the people they serve.

In her address at the award ceremony, Marisue Garganta, president of Marisue Garganta and Associates and former director of Community Health Integration at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, thanked Margaret Mary for her contribution to the health and wellness of those in need.“Her persistent commitment to help people live healthier, more fulfilled lives is a true reflection of Mercy in motion. Compassion, faith and purpose embodied the mission, vision and values of both St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Sisters of Mercy, setting the standard for health care where every person is seen no matter what the circumstances.”

Marisue also shared the gratitude felt by all in attendance for Margaret Mary’s legacy. “Programs she began, boards she has served on—always challenging them to be visionary—and the many lives she has touched continue through the Mercy Affiliate Program. This ministry she helped to create welcomes others to carry forward the Sisters of Mercy ministry to seek out those most underserved and in most need. As Sister Margaret Mary is grounded in grace and guided by service—welcoming others to join her along the way—this honor embodies Mercy’s timeless spirit and endless purpose to serve others. As we celebrate Sister Margaret Mary, may we also be inspired to rise up and serve!”

“There is still God’s work to do,” said Margaret Mary, who does not plan to retire soon. “The Sisters of Mercy legacy, in this moment, is to stand up and witness what so many of our sisters have done to advance care for those most ignored. Our work in Phoenix is the perfect example of the sisters listening to the voices of those most left out.”