Sister Margaret Aloysius McGrail, O.S.F., 87, died May 2 in Assisi House. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 63 years. Sister Margaret Aloysius was born Jean Agnes McGrail in Baltimore, Md., where she was a member of the Shrine of the Little Flower Parish and a graduate of the Catholic High School of Baltimore. She entered the congregation in 1946 and professed her first vows in 1948. Sister Margaret earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Villanova University in 1955 and a master of science degree in administration in nursing education from the Catholic University of America in 1964. She ministered primarily in health care and health care administration. In her leisure time, Sister Margaret enjoyed reading, writing haiku, and telling jokes.
She ministered for 18 years in the Diocese of Wilmington where she served at St. Francis Hospital, first as vice president for mission and ministry and later as a volunteer. She also ministered for 15 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She began her ministry in the Archdiocese as a student nurse at St. Joseph Hospital and continued her ministry in health care at St. Agnes Hospital. From 1976 to 1984, she served as a member of the leadership team for the Sisters of St. Francis. From 2009 to 2012, she moved to Aston and served as a volunteer in Assisi House. In 2012 she became a resident of Assisi House where she served in prayer ministry until her death.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held May 8 in Assisi House. Interment was in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston. Sister Margaret Aloysius is survived by a sister, Margaret Kelly; nieces, nephews, and by her Franciscan family.
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