Santa Rita Abbey mourns another loss

The Santa Rita Abbey in Sonoita is mourning the loss of another beloved member. Sister Margaret Walsh, OCSO, affectionately known as "Sr. Margarita" died Monday, July 1. She was 83 years old.

Sr. Margarita was born in Buffalo, New York and entered the Daughters of Charity in 1960. She transferred to the Cistercian Order and professed vows at Santa Rita Abbey in Sonoita in 1997. Her sisters will remember her fondly as the "nurse-in-chief" and manager of the kitchen and menu department. Sr. Margarita had a delightful sense of humor and was often tasked with answering the phone and the doorbell at Santa Rita Abbey. She was happiest with a "pile of interesting books" and enjoyed everything from monastic spirituality to natural science, and "nice" murder mysteries. Sr. Margarita found God in everyone she met. Her constant prayer was for everyone to come to know deeply God loves them. In 2016, Sr. Margarita celebrated her Golden Jubilee. 

Earlier this summer two other sisters, Sr. Jacqui and Sr. Kate, of the Cistercian Order passed away, within hours of each other. The loss of a sister deeply grieves the close-knit family at Santa Rita Abbey. Join us in praying for the Sisters and the Santa Rita Abbey community.

Mother Vicki's Eulogy:

“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) These words of Jesus filled every nook and cranny in Sr. Margarita’s being and were near and dear to her. So much so, that she asked if they could be put on her memorial card when the time came for her to pass into the fullness of eternal life. They describe a life given to God, and through that givenness, to all with whom she came in contact. She radiated God’s compassion and gentleness, strength and courage, humor, and a life that bubbled over into care and concern for others.
 
Margarita was born Margaret Walsh in New York State in 1940. It was from her home in East Aurora that she entered the Daughters of Charity in 1960 and served as a nurse in various areas of health care and infant care in the States and in Bolivia. Her years of service in the Altiplano among the people were full of adventure and stories that kept us rapt in wonder, and full of laughter at her description of learning new skills such as riding donkeys, especially the ones which had minds of their own. She lived life in Christ abundantly in care of the poor and less privileged.
 
Over the years, she began to hunger for a life given to God in the monastic life and so in 1994 she entered Santa Rita Abbey. She served as our nurse, as the retreat house director, as portress. And who of us can forget the fresh bread with which she spoiled us on a regular basis! She also worked many years in the altar bread bakery where she became adept at both mixing and baking. She was full of gentle smiles, a helping hand, a good word for those in need – and loved by all.

Soon all the years of labor for God took its toll on her body and her health began to fail. The one service she could still do was to answer our phone. Her compassion and solid counsel made her beloved by all. In recent months she became bedridden and from her room at the nursing home, her gentle spirit greeted those who served her there. At last, God beckoned to her to share eternally in the abundant life in the recesses of his heart. She who lived life abundantly in Jesus here is now in life that is infinite and in all embracing in love."