Sister Margaret Mary Flaherty, CCVI

Sister Margaret Mary Flaherty, CCVI, a Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word, died at St. Placidus Convent, Villa de Matel, Houston, TX on February 26, 2016. May she enjoy God’s presence for all eternity.

Sr. Margaret Mary was born in 1918 to Timothy and Julia Hayes Flaherty in Ballygibbon, Co. Tipperary, Ireland. She was given the name Julia. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word on March 5, 1933 with her sister, Ellen, later to be called Sr. Emily, at St. Michael’s Convent, Co. Clare, Ireland. She made Perpetual Profession of Vows to God on December 8, 1943 at Villa de Matel, Houston, TX.

Prepared in nursing and in hospital administration, Sr. Margaret Mary served others in many capacities which included the hospital business office to hospital administration in health care facilities of the Congregation: St. Mary’s Infirmary, Galveston, TX; St. Patrick Hospital, Lake Charles, LA; St. Mary Hospital, Port Arthur, TX; St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, Alexandria, LA; St. Bernardine Hospital, San Bernardino, CA; and assistant administrator in St. Francis Hospital, Tulsa, OK. Her leadership skills extended to the formation of the young Sisters as CCVI Director of Novices in Houston and the administrator of Carrigoran Nursing Home, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare, Ireland. The treasury office was another area of ministry for Sister in St. Mary, Port Arthur and St. Elizabeth in Beaumont. Later, Sister offered us her prayer as her gift. Sr. Margaret Mary will be remembered for her quiet yet efficient manner of leadership through so many years of her life. Her love was expressed in her works and calm words.

Sr. Margaret Mary is survived by two sisters: Sr. Kathleen Mary, Auckland, New Zealand; and Sr. Monica, Ireland; a sister-in-law, Sheila Flaherty; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, all in Ireland.

Gratitude is extended to all who cared for Sister during her last illness at St. Placidus.

Sr. Margaret Mary’s body will be received at the Immaculate Conception Chapel, Villa de Matel, 6510 Lawndale St., Houston, TX, at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, 2016, followed by Evening Praise and a celebration of her life. Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Immaculate Conception Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 7, 2016. The Rite of Committal will follow at Villa de Matel Cemetery.