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Age 86

Sister Margaret Mary was a Sister of Mercy for 69 years. She held positions in education in Catholic schools in Tennessee and Ohio. She served as a Parish Associate and Director of Religious Education and Evangelization. She was the Coordinator of the Center for Ministry support at Brescia College in Owensboro, Kentucky, and published a bi-monthly outreach newsletter for rural ministers during that time. In her work at the Office of Sexual Assault Prevention in Lebanon, Virginia, Sister Margaret had varied responsibilities, including that of educator and Court Advocate.

In 2002, Sister began working at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. During her ministry in Community Services, she wrote grants, was instrumental in developing and implementing Parish Nurse programs and training in several parishes, taught alternative stress reduction and pain management techniques, and counseled abused women. As a member of the Pastoral Care Team, she brought her smiling, caring presence to patients, families, and employees. As a fellow staff member put it, Sister Margaret had a passion for connecting with people in need and listening from the heart. She retired in 2016 and moved to Mercy Convent in Nashville, Tennessee.

Following the legacy of Catherine McAuley, Sister Margaret offered hospitality and compassion to all but had a special concern for women, especially those who were experiencing oppression and injustice.