HOULTON – Sister Margaret Marie Walsh, affectionately known as Sister Peggy, 58, a Sister of Mercy of the Americas, died unexpectedly Sunday, July 24, 2011, in Houlton. Sister Peggy would have celebrated her 59th birthday July 27. Sister Peggy was born July 27, 1952, in Van Buren, to Aurore M. Morrow and Ralph H. Walsh.
She grew up in Presque Isle, graduated from Presque Isle High School in 1970, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from the University of Maine in 1974. She began her career as a teacher for ACAP Day Care Center, Presque Isle, becoming head teacher in 1978. In 1979, she entered Sisters of Mercy in Portland from St. Mary’s Parish, Presque Isle. As a Sister of Mercy, Sister 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 Master of Arts 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. Sister Peggy then moved to Houlton where she was the Gear-up coordinator and advisor at Hodgdon High School, Hodgdon. Sister 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 Sister Peggy to form several children’s choirs as well as participating in various adult folk groups/choirs in parishes where she was stationed. Sister 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, “Sister 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.
Sister Peggy was predeceased by her father, Ralph H. Walsh; and brother-in-law, Maurice Bouchie. She is survived by her mother, Aurore M. (Morrow) Walsh of Hermon; sisters, Lois Bouchie of Arundel and Mary and her husband, Timothy Wilcox, of Easton; and brothers, Ralph D. and his wife, Noemi, of Southington, Conn., Mark and his wife, Brenda, of Hampden, and Matthew and his wife, Angela, of Hermon. Sister Peggy is also survived by 19 nieces and nephews, 11 great-nieces and great-nephews, several aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as her Sisters in community.
Visiting hours will be 2-8 p.m. Thursday, July 28, with a prayer service 7 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Convent, 605 Stevens Ave., Portland, where a concelebrated Mass of Christian burial will be held 10 a.m. Friday in the convent chapel. The Rev. Frank Murray will be the main concelebrant. Burial will be 2 p.m. Friday at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Bangor. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sister Peggy Walsh’s memory may be sent to Sisters of Mercy Ministry and Retirement Fund, 966 Riverside St., Portland, ME 04103. Arrangements are by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 172 State St., Portland.