Sr. Margaret Marie Walsh, R.S.M.

Walsh, Sr. Margaret M., R.S.M., 58, July 24, 2011.  Arrangements by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Portland.  Interment held in Pleasant Cemetery, Bangor.
MAINE – Sr. Margaret Marie Walsh, R.S.M., affectionately known as Sr. Peggy, 58 years, a Sister of Mercy of the Americas, died suddenly on Sunday, July 24, 2011, in Houlton. Sr. Peggy would have celebrated her 59th birthday on July 27.
Sr. Peggy was born in Van Buren, on July 27, 1952, to Aurore M. Morrow and Ralph H. Walsh. She grew up in Presque Isle and graduated from Presque Isle High School in 1970, earned a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maine in 1974. She began her career as a teacher for ACAP Day Care Center in Presque Isle, becoming head teacher in 1978. In 1979, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in Portland from St. Mary’s Parish, Presque Isle. As a Sister of Mercy, Sr. Peggy continued in the field of education in the following schools: St. Patrick’s School, Portland; St. Joseph’s School, Lewiston; Indian Island School, Penobscot Nation; Indian Township School, Passamaquoddy Reservation, and St. James School, Biddeford. She obtained her M.A. degree in Educational Administration from the University of Maine, Orono, in preparation for her Administrative position as Principal at St. Mary’s School, Bangor and St. Peter and Sacred Heart School, Auburn.  Sr. Peggy then moved to Houlton where she was the Gear-up Coordinator & Advisor at Hodgdon High School in Hodgdon. Sr. Peggy was recommended for excellency in teaching while at St. Joseph’s School, Lewiston and also received the Modern Woodsmen Hometown Hero Award for her outstanding service to the Auburn community. A keen interest in music led Sr. Peggy to form several children’s choirs as well as participating in various adult folk groups/choirs in parishes where she was stationed. Sr. Peggy was a Eucharistic Minister as well as a Religion teacher, who eagerly responded to Bible Vacation School in rural areas of the state. At the time of her death, she was actively involved in her parish, St. Mary of the Visitation, Houlton, as a member of the RCIA Team, a Lector, and a member of the Music Ministry group. A woman of many gifts, her talents touched others not only in a school setting but in community based theater as well. She enjoyed playing the guitar, sewing, scrapbooking and designing jewelry as well as quilting. Many of her family and friends are happy recipients of her generosity. As one of her former staff stated, “Sr. Peggy’s outgoing nature and ongoing concern for others were often expressed through her creativity and thoughtfulness. She never missed an occasion to let others know that they were remembered and appreciated.” Now we, in turn, remember and appreciate her.
Sr. Peggy was predeceased by her father, Ralph H. Walsh; and her brother-in-law, Maurice Bouchie.
She is survived by her mother, Aurore M. (Morrow) Walsh of Hermon; her sisters: Lois Bouchie of Arundel, and Mary and her husband, Timothy Wilcox of Easton; her brothers: Ralph D. and his wife, Noemi of Southington, CT, Mark and his wife, Brenda of Hampden, and Matthew and his wife, Angela of Hermon. Sr. Peggy is also survived by 19 nieces and nephews; 11 great-nieces and nephews; several aunts, uncles and cousins; as well as her Sisters in community.
Visiting hours were from 2 – 8 p.m., on Thursday, July 28, with a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Convent, 605 Stevens Avenue, Portland. A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday at 10 a.m. in the Convent Chapel. Rev. Frank Murray was the main concelebrant. Burial was in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Bangor, at 2 p.m. Arrangements are by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 172 State Street, Portland, Maine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Sisters of Mercy Ministry and Retirement Fund, 966 Riverside St., Portland 04103, in Sr. Peggy Walsh’s memory.