Sister Margaret Urban (formerly Sister Raymond), Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ (PHJC) died on January 5, 2021 at the Catherine Kasper Home, Donaldson, Indiana.
She was born in Wanlock, Iowa to Thomas and Mary (Slahta) who preceded her in death along with her brothers Bill, Thomas and Frank McEllis and her sisters Leona Vilianoff and Marie Spencer. She was the oldest of 6 children. Sister Margaret is survived by several nieces.
Sister Margaret entered the Poor Handmaid Community on December 1, 1942 taking the name Sister Raymond and professed her vows on June 25, 1945.
Sister Margaret received her B.A. from Alverno College Milwaukee WI and her Master’s degree from St. Mary College Winona MN. She was a Teacher/Principal for her initial years in ministry. She ministered at St. Augustine Chicago IL; St. Joseph Mishawaka IN; Angel Guardian Orphanage Chicago IL; St. Boniface Edwardsville IL; St. Monica Mishawaka IN; and St. Mary’s East Chicago IN. In 1987 she joined the community at St. Catherine of Siena Convent and for 18 years she provided Parish Ministry specifically to shut-ins. In 2005 she moved to the PHJC Motherhouse in Donaldson IN and provided community service. Sister was a witty conversationalist and had a wonderful sense of humor. She was an endearing friend and advocate for the elderly. Most especially Sister enjoyed her moments spending time before the Blessed Sacrament.
Sister Margaret lived for 2 years at Catherine’s Cottage and in 2015 she moved to the Catherine Kasper Home at the Center of Donaldson, IN.
A private visitation will be held at the Ancilla Domini Chapel at the Center of Donaldson, IN on Monday, January 11, 2021 from 9:30 am to 11 am EST. The Mass of Resurrection will follow in the Chapel at 11:00 a.m. EST and burial will follow the Liturgy in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Donaldson, IN. The services will be livestreamed beginning at 11:00 am EST: www.poorhandmaids.org/live.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, PO Box 1, Donaldson, Indiana 46513 or on www.poorhandmaids.org.
May Crider Gunn says
I am very sorry I was not able to visit “my little buddy” in 2020 due to Covid 19. She was very special to me and I could listen to her stories over and over. It was an honor to have her at our wedding in 2016. We had such good laughs and prayers together. We shared a love of animals and I hope she is surrounded by them now. May she rest easy for eternity in her loving Lord’s arms. What a smile she must have had when she first saw Mother Mary…
Mark Nicolini says
Sister Raymond was the outstanding principal of my school, St Joseph’s Mishawaka, and taught my 8th grade class. That 8th grade was 1965-66. She was extremely well organized, very smart, tough but fair, and had a sense of humor, I think she helped hundreds if not thousands develop their basic skills. I am sure God will reward her dedication and love for creation.
REST IN PEACE, Sister…
Mark Nicolini
Milwaukee
margaret pixey says
Sincerest sympathy to all the PHJC and all whose life was touched by Sr. Margaret. She was one of a kind to say the least. We chatted almost daily when she would stroll the halls at CKH.
Prayers and sympathy,
Margie Pixey
Jamie Holland says
Sr. Margaret was not only our principal but also avery close family friend. She was an amazing person. She was “hard” but fair as a teacher/principal. You always knew where you stood or sat.. especially if you were sitting in her office! We all have great memories of her and she will always be in our hearts.
Mary B. Nicolini says
I did not have Sister Raymond as my teacher for eighth grade, but she was our school principal when I was at St. Joseph in Mishawaka. I remember once I had to deliver a message to her classroom when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade, and I was pretty intimidated by the “big kids”! Sister Raymond eased my nervousness, and I remember her kindness, 55 years later.
Carolyn Searfoss Jayo says
Sister Raymond was my 8th grade teacher at St. Joseph’s Grade School in Mishawaka, In 1958 – 1959. Excellent teacher and funny.
Jeanne T. says
Such a sweet woman she was my principal at St. Monica’s in the early 80’s. Prayers to her family.
Claudia Swarthout says
Rest in God’s peace, dear Margaret. You were a gift to me, the Poor Handmaids and to all God’s people. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Christine (Fobe) Eberhardt says
I had the privilege of working with Sister Margaret at St. Monica School. It was my first teaching job after graduation. She took me under her wing and inspired me with her faith and her dedication to her students and staff. I remember driving her to Hammond one Sunday and having a nice visit with her mother. She was more than my boss. She was also my friend. We still sent Christmas cards to each other until this year. May God keep her in His loving care.
Ron Fary says
Sr Margaret was like the Energizer bunny at Siena. One of the sweetest, kindest persons I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Evelyn Schwenk says
Sincere sympathies to the PHJC community. Sister Margaret was a shining star and such a wit! She always brightened the day when you encountered her. Rest In Peace, Sister Margaret.
Karen O'Keefe says
I am so sorry to hear of Sister Margaret’s passing. I have thought of her many times since she left our school and parish at Saint Catherine Church in Hammond. I had the pleasure of knowing her as I worked as a school aide/catechist for 10 years. My daughter was enrolled there at that time and was an altar server. Sister was so active and so dedicated in all of the many facets of her work there. What I remember the most was my mother, my daughter and I would pick Sister up on Sundays for a ride in the countryside. She just loved that and really looked forward to it. How fast she walked out of the convent to the car, knowing her Sunday ride would be enjoyable! My mom would say, “awww, sister is so happy to come out with us.” It made us happy to have her along too. Sister and my mother were both Slovak and would sing Slovak songs in the car. Sister always had an interesting story to share with us. She was humble and kind…but also very funny and witty. What a personality that tiny little nun had! I mean this sincerely when I say that everyone she met, she engaged with, and everyone felt valued by her. She just had that something special…that extra gift of self, that you just wanted to put your arms around her and give her a hug. She gave my daughter an angel necklace once and my daughter never took it off, it meant so much to her. We would see sister walk around the area of the church, she always walked fast like she had something important to attend to. And those eyes! Those eyes that pierced to your soul. She had an incredible knowledge of people…every day people. I think she could see God in each person, could see there was goodness in each person, and she would simply draw you in. She expressed words of comfort to me when my brother passed away at a young age…words I won’t soon forget. For all that she was, her graciousness, kindness, humbleness, and dignity…Sister Margaret may you rest in peace, good and faithful servant. The O’Keefe family