Rooney, RSM, Margaret A.

Margaret A. Rooney, RSM (formerly Sister Maria Mildred, RSM), died peacefully on Monday, June 5th, in the Baggot Street Community at Saint Mary Home, West Hartford, CT. "Peggy" as she was affectionately known was born in Bridgeport, CT on May 26, 1933 to J. Donald and Mildred (Carlson) Rooney. On September 8, 2022, Sister Peggy celebrated 70 years as a Sister of Mercy.

Sister Peggy attended Trinity College in Washington, D.C. and she received a B.A. in Education and Theology from the Diocesan Teachers' College, and an M.A. in Latin and Greek from the Catholic University of America, and a certificate in Secondary School Administration Studies from Fairfield University. As a Fulbright Scholar, Sister Peggy studied Roman Antiquity at the American Academy in Rome. She completed sabbatical studies at the University of London Institute of Education. In addition, she received a certificate in advanced studies at the University of Notre Dame College of Business Administration.

An alumna of the Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall, Sister Peggy returned to her alma mater as Principal (1975-87) where she enriched the footprint for educating young women to become future leaders. In addition to academics, Sister Peggy was committed to the importance of athletics for the complete educational experience. Having created a competitive program at Lauralton Hall in tennis, swimming and diving, track and field, softball, and other sports, Sister Peggy herself assumed a leadership position in the regional athletic association, CIAC. As a result, her influence extended beyond Lauralton Hall and enhanced the secondary school experience for countless young women. While at Lauralton Hall she was recognized by the Trustees for "her combination of intelligence, charm, willingness to work, wit and ... unswerving dedication as a Sister of Mercy". In 2004, Sister Peggy received the Mother Augustine Claven Award from the alumnae and broader community for her "Principled Leadership, Being A Voice for Dignity And Respect."

The Sisters of Mercy recognized Sister Peggy's extraordinary service to their religious community and they elected her to community leadership positions (198795). Known for her quiet determination and outreach to those in need, she brought joy, self-confidence, and hope into the lives of the great many she influenced and served.

Committed to the concepts of team leadership in ministry and education, Sister Peggy stated, "those in authority encourage everyone in the ministry/institution to act with a common understanding of its mission, goals and objectives." Evidence of this commitment contributed to Sister Peggy's recognition by Sacred Heart University for her "voluntary and professional contribution to the community at large." This recognition of the dignity and value of each person is demonstrated by her commitment to Trust House, Hartford and in secondary schools throughout CT., including Mercy High School and Mount St. Joseph Academy. Holding herself to the highest standards, she worked tirelessly to advance the quality of life for all those whose lives she touched.

Sister Peggy retired to Saint Mary Home in April, 2017 where she was supported during her illness by daily visits from her sister, Sister Patricia J. Rooney, RSM, family, residents and close friends.

The Sisters of Mercy are grateful to the staff at the Baggot Street Community, Saint Mary Home, for their loving and compassionate care for our Sister Peggy. Predeceased by her parents, her brother, James D. and his wife Charlotte P., and her closest friend, Sister Marita Charles Murphy, RSM., she is survived by her sister, Sister Patricia J. Rooney, RSM, her nieces: Patti, Joan, Donna, and Kate, their spouses and families, a bevy of close cousins, and the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.

Sister Peggy's Funeral Mass and Wake will be held on Friday, June 9th at Saint Mark the Evangelist Church, 467 South Quaker Lane, West Hartford. The wake will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with the Mass of Resurrection at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Saint Mary Cemetery, 2021 Albany Avenue, West Hartford. To view a live stream of the Funeral Mass or to leave an online condolence, please visit www. Sheehanhilbornbreen.com

Please consider donations in memory of Sister Peggy Rooney to the Sisters of Mercy, 25 Prescott Street, 1st floor, West Hartford, CT 06110.