“… [I had] “a real connection with both my students and their families.”

Sister Marguerite Mahony (Sister Angelita Maria) was born on January 19, 1928 on Staten Island, one of three daughters and three sons of Edward and Marguerite Doyle Mahony. Marguerite attended Saint Patrick School, Saint Peter High School, and then worked for three years before entering the Sisters of Charity of New York on February 2, 1949. Sister Angelita received a BA in History from the College of Mount Saint Vincent and an MA in Elementary Education from Seton Hall University.

Sister Marguerite spent many years in the ministry of elementary education. Her first mission was at Holy Trinity School, in Manhattan, where she taught the third grade. From there Sister Marguerite was missioned to Saint Paul School in Brooklyn; St. Peter School in Yonkers; Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary School in Southampton; and Sacred Heart School in Manhattan. In 1963 she was missioned to teach on Staten Island, where she remained for the next twenty-eight years. She taught first grade for three years at Saint Mary School in Rosebank before moving to Sacred Heart School in West Brighton, where she taught for the next twenty-five years. Speaking of her time at Sacred Heart, Sister Marguerite said she had “a real connection with both my students and their families.” She taught her students that “God loves them and that love is everlasting.” In 1991 she went to the Elizabeth Seton House of Prayer in Scarsdale where her talents were utilized in many ways.

Sister Marguerite earned a diploma from clown school, taking the name Merry Melody. In the clown ministry, she continued to brighten the lives of children and the elderly by performing with Clowns R’ Us, a clown troupe from the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.

In 2001 Sister moved to Saint Patrick Villa in Nanuet where she continued to share her talents and her great love for life. She was always available where and when she was needed. She moved to the Convent of Mary the Queen, and continued her kind and generous ways. Sister Marguerite was always pleasant, had a wonderful sense of humor, and enjoyed the company of her sisters at the Queen. In 2014 she moved to the assisted living apartments at Jewish Home Lifecare in the Bronx.

We rejoice with her as she is welcomed into the embrace of our loving God and is reunited with her family and friends, and all of the Sisters of Charity who have gone before her. Be at peace, Sister Marguerite, as you are welcomed home.

Appreciation is extended to the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program for the photo of Merry Melody.