Sister Margaret Mary Halbach died on Dec. 19, 2019. The former Bernadette, or “Bernie” as she was known to her large family, was born on Nov. 30, 1940, to Raymond and Mary Halbach in Sherwood, Wis.
Bernie’s pastor encouraged her to follow a religious vocation but it took a visit to The Chapel in Robinsonville (now named the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion) for her to decide. Bernie took home an application form and material for her aspirants’ uniform. She professed her vows in 1959 and celebrated her 60th anniversary in 2017.
Sister Margaret Mary earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from St. Norbert College, De Pere; a master’s degree in administration from Clark College, Dubuque, Iowa; and a master’s degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University, Chicago.
She served as teacher/principal at St. Joseph, Marinette; St. Jude, Green Bay; Holy Cross, Mishicot; St. Mary, Greenleaf; and Holy Cross, Green Bay. Students remember her encouragement and affirmation as well as her teaching skills.
She went on to serve as a pastoral associate at St. Gabriel/St. Patrick parishes, Neenah/Menasha; Holy Family Parish, Marinette; and Holy Family Parish, Brillion. She was also an administrator at The Chapel in Robinsonville and served in formation ministry for her Community.
Since 2013 Sister has volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul and The Chapel, and helped her Sisters in many ways at the Motherhouse. She shared her lovely voice wherever she was.
Sister Margaret Mary’s visitation was held at the Motherhouse and the funeral Mass was held at Holy Cross Church, Green Bay, with her students Rev. Robert Kabat and Rev. Michael Betley as celebrant and concelebrant/homilist, respectively.
If you would like to offer a memorial gift in Sister Margaret Mary's honor, please see our online form or our mail-in form. Your gift will support the care and ministries of our Sisters. Thank you and God bless.
