SISTER MARGARET BERRY, CSJ, ( Sr. John Francis), 77, died Wednesday, February 13, at West Penn Hospital in her 60th year as a Sister of St. Joseph of Baden.

The daughter of the late John and Bridget McDonough Berry, Sister Margaret entered the Congregation from Annunciation Parish in Pittsburgh. She ministered as a teacher from 1950–1973 in elementary and secondary schools in the Pittsburgh and Altoona / Johnstown Dioceses, and also as instructor at Carlow College (University). From 1967–1973 Sister Margaret was also the Director of Temporary Professed Sisters for the Baden Sisters. During this time and throughout her life Sister was engaged in spiritual direction and directed retreat work.

From 1973–1983 Sister Margaret was elected to leadership as the Superior of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Her leadership skills also extended to regional and national organizations for women and men religious. Following service to her community, Sister Margaret returned to the education ministry as principal of St. Joseph High School, Natrona, for six years. From 1990–99 she served as Director of the Child Development Center in Belize, Central America, teacher at Quigley High School in Baden, and Assistant Administrator at Jubilee Kitchen in Pittsburgh. From 1999 to the present Sister Margaret has ministered as principal at St. John of God School, McKees Rocks. Her knowledge and love of history stimulated many lively conversations wherever she was present.

Throughout her life of service, Sister Margaret touched the lives of others with her genuine interest, compassion, and love. She had the ability to be genuinely "present" to each person, drawing forth and affirming each one’s gifts. Sister Margaret is survived by two sisters: Mary Panneton, Bowie, Md.; and Anna Strosser of Philadelphia, nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden. Friends will be received Sunday from 1:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Monday from 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Baden. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Monday at 3:00 p.m. in the Motherhouse Chapel. Burial will follow in the Sisters’ Cemetery on the Motherhouse grounds. Donations in the name of Sister Margaret may be sent to the Sisters of St. Joseph Memorial Fund, St. Joseph Convent, 1020 State Street, Baden, PA 15005.

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1020 State Street, Baden PA 15005
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