Sister Margaret Mary Dressman, 1923-2018
Born December 28, 1923 in Latonia, Kentucky Entered St. Walburg Monastery September 8, 1941 Received habit June 29, 1942 First Profession, June 30, 1943 Died April 8, 2018
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Sister Margaret Mary Dressman was born on December 29, 1923 to James and Mary Teresa Hoover Dressman. She was one of nine children, having five sisters and three brothers.
After graduation from Holy Cross High School, Margaret Mary entered St. Walburg Monastery in 1941. She became a novice in 1942 and received the name Sister Boniface. First profession followed in 1943 and perpetual profession in 1946. Sister Margaret Mary celebrated her silver jubilee in 1968, her golden in 1993, and her sixtieth/diamond in 2003.
Sister Margaret Mary was graduated from Villa Madonna College in 1964 with a BA in Elementary Education. In 1971-72 she received certification as school librarian 1-12 from Northern Kentucky State and UK’s extension program.
Sister Margaret Mary contracted TB in her early years in the community and spent four years recovering in the infirmary. Those long years were significant in her life story. She served for a few years as dietician in two hospitals in Colorado, one year teaching in Colorado, and twenty years as teacher in elementary schools of the Diocese of Covington. After she was certified as a school librarian Sr. Margaret Mary served in that capacity for another twenty-four years at St. Henry Elementary and Holy Cross High School.
Sister Margaret Mary resided at the monastery from 1972 on. Until she fell this year she walked without any mobility aids. She prayed enthusiastically and faithfully at the Liturgy of the Hours and at Eucharist. When any recreational activity took place in the infirmary lounge, Margaret Mary was an avid player, whether at cards, Scrabble or any other type of competition. She will be remembered for her wit.
Sister Margaret Mary broke her hip this year, rehabbed at Madonna Manor, and returned home recently. She died suddenly on April 8, 2018. She is survived by two brothers and five sisters. Vigil service was held the evening of Tuesday, April 10 and the Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, April 11, 2018. She was interred in St. Walburg Monastery Cemetery.