Sr. Margaret Parks, CSJ

Margaret Parks was born in Ferndale, Michigan on April 5, 1934, the daughter of James and Eva (Schutz) Parks. She was a member of St. James Parish in Ferndale at the time of her entrance into the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth on July 1, 1951. She received the name Sister James Marie at her reception on January 3, 1952, but returned to the use of her baptismal name in later years. She pronounced first vows on January 3, 1954 and final vows on January 3, 1957.

Sister “Peg” earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Nazareth College and later a Clinical Pastoral degree from Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois which qualified her as a certified chaplain. She began ministry as a teacher in several schools of the Congregation including St. Mark in Warren, St. Joan of Arc in St. Clair Shores, and St. Benedict in Highland Park where she completed her teaching career. She then shifted her talents and skills to health care, experiencing a whole new world of ministry as chaplain to adults and children at St. John Hospital, Detroit, St. Joseph Hospital, Flint, Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospice, and St. John Senior Community, Detroit. Upon retirement and due to failing health, Sister Peg withdrew from active ministry but continued to respond to all with a gentle, loving heart.

Sister Peg enjoyed life to its fullest. She possessed a great sense of humor and a warm, loving personality which was a “gift” to those with whom she lived and worked. She was always deeply grateful to her family, wonderful sister companions and colleagues in ministry for their loyal, loving support. She truly felt that the people in her life profoundly enriched her personal, professional and spiritual growth. May Sister Peg now rejoice in the loving embrace of the God whom she served so lovingly and faithfully.

May She Rest in Peace!