Sisters, Family and Friends Celebrate Sr. Margaret Kelliher's 70th Jubilee

On August 2, 1955, seven decades ago, Sr. Margaret (Peg) Kelliher made her final vows as a Daughter of Wisdom. Today, sisters, family, and friends gathered at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Convent in Sound Beach, NY, to celebrate her 70th Jubilee.

Seventy years later, witnesses to her life gathered to pay tribute to her contributions as an educator and organizer. They noted her remarkably calm demeanor, regardless of the task or circumstance. This calm spirit positively influenced those around her, and she was cherished as a loving sibling, aunt, and sister in the community.

Standing behind Sr. Margaret Kelliher are (L-R), Grandniece Shannon Kennedy, niece Nancy Kennedy, friend Pat Elliot, Sr. Catherine Sheehan, sister Mary (Maureen) Clark, nephew Pat Kennedy, Sr. Mary Jane Cashin, Sr. Rosemarie Connelly, and Sr. Evelyn Eckhardt, DW.

The day began with a beautiful Mass presided over by Fr. Henry Vas, OFM Cap, BCC, the Chaplain from St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson, NY. Sr. Mary Jane Cashin, DW, read the first reading from Leviticus 25:1, 8-17, followed by the response, "O Wisdom God Incarnate." Sr. Evelyn Eckhardt, DW, led the congregation in the Celtic Alleluia. The Gospel reading was from John 15:1-8.

Sr. Cathy Sheehan, DW, the Delegation Leader, sat with Sr. Peg for the renewal of her vows.

After prayers of the faithful and the celebration of communion to the backdrop of the song, "Dwelling Place," the words inspired all, "May Christ find a dwelling place for faith in our hearts, May our lives be rooted in love, rooted in love." Sr. Peg was the source of love for many, as expressed by family, friends, and fellow Sisters during the luncheon that followed the Mass. Even family members who could not attend the celebration were included in the expressions of love and gratitude for Sister Peg's presence in their lives. Text messages were read aloud by her niece, Nancy Kennedy, and her great-niece, Shannon Kennedy, in her honor. A coworker, Pat Elliot, who remained a friend for 50 years, also attended, representing about nine individuals who have stayed connected since Sr. Margaret taught at St. Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Academy in Ozone Park, Queens, NY.