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Sr. Margaret Mary (Peggy) Wessel, CSJ

May 29, 1948 - September 5, 2020
Kalamazoo, MI

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Memorial Mass (Live Streamed)

Tuesday, September 8, 2020
5:15 PM EDT
Live Stream
St. Thomas More Catholic Student Parish
421 Monroe St
Kalamazoo, MI 49006
(269) 381-8917

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Sisters of St. Joseph
2929 Nazareth Rd
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
(269) 381-6290

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Margaret Mary (Peggy) Wessel entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth, MI on August 21, 1968. Being one of 8 siblings, she loved family that now extends to adult nieces and nephews with wonderful children. Her parents, Bernard and Mary Lou, raised the family in Marysville, MI where Peggy was taught by SSJ’s at St. Christopher. In 1962, the family moved to Newark, DE. where Peggy finished high school and 2 years at University of Delaware. Later she earned her B.A. at Nazareth College, in Kalamazoo, her M.A. in special religious education at Cardinal Stritch College in Milwaukee, and M.A. in special education at Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI.

Peggy’s passion was teaching, especially in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program and later in special education for children and adults of all ages.

In 2012 Peggy moved to LaGrange Park Center while remaining close to all at Nazareth. She worked at Cardinal Bernardin Early Childhood Center, and was on the teaching staff at St. Dennis in Lockport, IL until August, 2017 when she was diagnosed with cancer and treatments consumed her time and energy.

As Peggy was able, she worked part-time for Ministry of the Arts in the Fulfillment Center, where she filled and shipped orders. The word Fulfillment had deep meaning for Peggy for, as she said: “The Center is indeed fulfilling to me, where I can sit while working and pray for those I email and enjoy the friendship of our team.”

In 2019, due to failing health, Peggy moved back to Nazareth Center where she was lovingly embraced by her Nazareth Sisters and the Staff who tenderly cared for her.

We remember Peggy’s constant smile and the following words: “I cannot begin to adequately express my gratitude to all who have supported me in prayer and loving connections. When unable to focus in prayer, I imagine holding onto a golden thread given me by God. One of my therapists helped me navigate the path I have been on by calling me to “choose life” over and over again. (Deuteronomy 30:19) …” And when death was imminent: “I’m on the path; I’m getting ready for the Reign of God.”

Peggy had many favorite scripture passages, but often identified with the paralytic who is carried to Jesus by friends. (Mark 2:1-12) She reassured us: “I know God has been loving me and listening as I pray for all of you. God is near. God is love and loves us all – we just have to hold on to the golden thread….”

And now Peggy has come to the end of the golden thread …. Welcome home, Peggy!