Sister Margaret (James Agnes) McGinley, IHM, died Jan. 12, 2021, at McGivney Way of IHM Senior Living Community. She was 89 years old.
Sister Margaret and her twin brother Michael were born to parents James and Agnes (McAvoy) McGinley, on Sept. 28, 1931 in Detroit. Margaret was baptized in Precious Blood parish and attended the grade school. Her high school education culminated at Immaculata High School. Two months after graduation in 1949, she entered the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Monroe, and received the religious name Sister James Agnes.
The early teaching years were based in Michigan at St. Patrick, Wyandotte; Our Lady Queen of Hope, St. Matthew, Holy Redeemer and St. Martin, Detroit; St. Mary Academy, Monroe; Port Huron Catholic High School, Port Huron and Sacred Heart, Roseville. Most of her teaching ministry came from accepting a teaching position and moving to Tarpon Springs, Fla. in 1971. Sister Margaret spent the next 20-plus years teaching in the public school system at Dunedin Highland Junior High School, Middle School, and at Tarpon Springs Middle School.
During this time, Sister Margaret lived with and cared for her parents. She was grateful for her teaching position and caring for her parents in the New Port Richey area before her mother and father passed away. She continued to teach and reside in the area, near to her sister’s family and to IHM Sisters missioned to Catholic schools in Florida. When her teaching career ended, she had time to volunteer, “More Time for God,” and gather with teaching colleagues and community friends.
Sister Margaret earned a bachelor’s degree from Marygrove College and a Master of Arts degree in English from the University of Dayton (Ohio).
In 2000, Sister Margaret returned to live in Monroe and in a few years, moved into the newly renovated Motherhouse. With her sense of humor and kind nature, she enjoyed many friendships with sisters and staff on the Monroe Campus. Sister Margaret served as a sacristan, as a driver-companion for elderly community members and wherever she could be of service to others. In late 2006, she recognized her own difficulties in memory health and moved to the health care center. She remained active in liturgy and prayer services and creative in writing poetry and making inspirational cards until her health declined.
Sister Margaret is survived by nieces and nephews, and her sisters in community. She was preceded in death by infant brother, Michael, and sister, Jessie Tucholski. Read her Remembering.