Sr. Margaret Hornyak, CSJ

Olga Hornyak was born in Windber, PA on July 8, 1928 the daughter of Joseph Hornyak and Margaret (Boury) Hornyak. She was a member of St. Rita’s Parish in Detroit, Michigan at the time of her entrance into the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth on January 2, 1950. She received the name Sister Margaret Joseph at her reception on July 2, 1950. She pronounced first vows on July 2, 1952 and final vows on July 2, 1955.

Sister Margaret Joseph graduated from Nazareth College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry and Social Studies. In 1968 she furthered her education and graduated with a Master’s Degree from Michigan State University majoring in Interdepartmental Science.

Sister Margaret Joseph began her ministry teaching at St. Francis Home in Detroit, MI. She also taught at St. Joan of Arc, St. Christopher and St. Rita’s in the Diocese of Detroit, Blessed Sacrament in Allegan, St. Anthony in Hillsdale and St. Therese in LansingLansing, MI. After graduating from Michigan State University, Sister Margaret Joseph spent many years teaching at the collegiate level. She taught at Kent University in Ohio and returned to Nazareth College and spent many years teaching. In 1981 Sister Margaret Joseph returned to healthcare and was a microbiologist at St. John’s Hospital prior to reducing her hours to part-time to help care for her mother. In November, 1999 Sister Margaret Joseph retired and volunteered her services at St. Sylvester in Warren, MI until she moved to Nazareth Center in April, 2011.

Sr. Margaret Joseph often expressed gratitude for the many opportunities she had for spiritual enrichment and academic pursuit which were encouraged and supported by her sisters in community. She especially treasured the long, enduring friendship of Sister Ginny Jones with whom she shared life and enjoyable adventures. A unique part of Sr. Margaret Joseph’s life at Nazareth were the visits of the therapy dogs. For her they reflected the “happy to be with you” blessings of God’s love.

Rest In Peace!