Sister Margaret (Peggy) Reavy, CSJ 

(Sister Mary Patricia)

We Remember her in the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring.

September 4, 1938 – April 25, 2025

In the 68th year of her Religious Life. Entered: September 8, 1957

“Exhibit kindness to all and unkindness to none.” Does that sound familiar?  That was number twenty-six in the list of Maxims of Father Jean Pierre Medaille.

Most of us memorized the maxims in the novitiate. We tried to live that maxim, but Peggy Reavy personified its essence. She truly loved the “dear neighbor.”

Margaret Reavy was the third of five children born to Kenneth and Margaret Reavy in Everett. With her brothers Ernie and Ken, and her sisters, Elizabeth and Mary Louise, Peggy grew up in Everett. She was proud of her hometown and returned to minister there years later. When Peggy had just turned six, her older sister Elizabeth died due to complications from appendicitis. Despite her young age, Peggy was keenly aware of the heartbreak that her mother experienced in the loss of her child. Indeed, Peggy spoke of delaying her departure from home for a year to support her mother.

After graduating from Cheverus High School Peggy found employment at John Hancock, using the clerical knowledge and skills she had acquired at Cheverus. A year after graduation Peggy entered the novitiate in Framingham to begin a lifelong commitment to her God and the dear neighbor.

Sister Peggy’s initial ministry was food service. Oftentimes the tenor of a local community was strongly influenced by the sister serving in the kitchen.  Peggy’s kitchen was always a welcoming space. Sisters remarked that Sister Peggy was a positive influence on the local community. “Exhibit kindness to all…” 

After Vatican II, when ministry opportunities for sisters expanded, Sister Peggy returned to school to earn a degree in early childhood education. Sister Peggy became a teacher, first at the Merrimac Montessori School in Haverhill, and then at St. Catherine School in Somerville. Within a few years she moved on to high school at Pope John XXIII in Everett. Sister Peggy provided administrative support in a variety of ways at Pope John. She was even the unofficial mascot of the sports teams. Sister Peggy rarely missed a game. At an assembly in the gym one day, Sister Peggy kicked a football the length of the gym and the football team had found a new punter! “Exhibit kindness to all…” 

In 2006 Sister Peggy was nominated as an “Unsung Heroine” by her local state representative in recognition of her ministry at Pope John. This award was sponsored by the Mass, Commission on the Status of Women. Peggy never sought the spotlight, which enhanced the value of this recognition.

During her ministry at Pope John, Sister Peggy became a good friend to Lorraine Marie Di Mare, CSJ, and Nancy Brennan, CSJ.  The three of them lived in a local community while they worked at Pope John and also after, when they had moved on in ministry. As Lorraine experienced a change in her health, Sister Peggy became her companion and caregiver. When the seriousness of Lorraine’s illness required that she move to Bethany Health Care Center (BHCC), Sister Peggy chose to move to St. Joseph Hall, continuing her presence to Lorraine. “Exhibit kindness to all…”

After Lorraine was called home to God and Peggy’s health indicated that she should move to BHCC, she did so with great grace. At Bethany, she quickly made friends with residents and staff alike.  On good days I would take Sister Peggy in her wheelchair to tour around the property, often ending at the porch of St. Joseph’s Hall. As staff members would leave or arrive at the change of shift, Peggy would greet them, calling most of them by name. “Exhibit kindness to all…” 

The last several years of Sister Peggy’s life were marked by transitions and losses. As a woman both graced and gracious, she bore them all with great equanimity.

It is a sacred privilege to keep vigil with the soul awaiting the call to go home to God. Sister Peggy, I will be forever grateful to you for that privilege. Godspeed, good friend, until we meet again!

Given by Judith Costello, CSJ

May 1, 2025