Sister Mary Margaret (John Mark) Doorley, CSJ, 85, died May 6, 2026, in the 68th year of her religious life. The daughter of John and Mary Grasinger Doorley, Sister Mary Margaret entered the Congregation from St. John Parish in Uniontown.
Inspired by her upbringing and the Sisters of St. Joseph who nurtured her vocation, Sister Mary Margaret devoted her life to sharing God’s love and compassion with others. She served for 17 years as a teacher, religious education coordinator, and director of religious education in schools and parishes throughout the Dioceses of Pittsburgh, Greensburg, and Columbus.
A caring and generous presence, Sister Mary Margaret became known for fostering a holistic approach to catechism by inviting parents and families into sacramental preparation together. Working in religious education deepened her belief in the significance of adult formation, recognizing that “adults are the models of faith for children.”
In 1979, her commitment to faith formation expanded through a new ministry in Catholic publishing, beginning in the religious education division of Our Sunday Visitor. She dedicated the next 46 years of ministry to helping people of all ages deepen their faith by bringing spiritual books, tapes, and materials to Catholic and Christian audiences.
“My position requires that I care for the soul,” Sister Mary Margaret said in 1999 while working at Crossroad Publishing. “We talk about care for the body, but to grow spiritually, our souls need care, too. My job is to make sure Catholics have that care.”
She felt blessed to help thousands of readers live out Gospel values through sales and marketing positions with Paulist Press (1986-1990), Crossroad Publishing (1990-99), Liguori Publishers (1999-2005), ACTA Publications (2005-13), and Loyola Press (2014-25). A testament to her unwavering support for faith-based authors and spirituality-seeking audiences, Sister Mary Margaret received the 2013 Outstanding Service Award, an exceptional honor bestowed by the Association of Catholic Publishers.
Once described as “an outstanding example of the perfect servant of God,” Sister Mary Margaret found meaning in faith, family, and fostering unity among all of God’s people. She often said that family and community life as a Sister of St. Joseph were among the greatest blessings of her life. She was a longtime volunteer with the Fayette County Chapter of Disabled Veterans alongside her late brother, Mark, who was a Vietnam veteran. They participated in Wreaths Across America and in Memorial and Veterans’ Day ceremonies, and, with the help of the Doorley family, opened their home each year to host a Christmas gathering for disabled veterans.
“In a world where there is so much separation, our charism of unity is very important,” she once reflected. “I feel blessed to be able to assist God’s people.”
Services for Sister Mary Margaret
Predeceased by a brother, Mark T. Doorley, Sister Mary Margaret is survived by two brothers, John T. Doorley and Joseph K. Doorley; three sisters, Alice D. Yezbak, Regina D. Davis, and Joan D. Kipila; her cousin, Sister Mary Frances Grasinger, CSJ; nieces and nephews; grand-nieces and grand-nephews; Associates; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden. The Sisters are grateful to the Wellness Team at the Motherhouse and the staff at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph for their care of Sister Mary Margaret.
Friends will be received Monday, May 11, from 1 p.m. to the close of the Prayer Vigil, which begins at 6 p.m., and Tuesday, May 12, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, May 12, at 4 p.m. in the Motherhouse Chapel.