Sister Margarita Guggy, OSF (formerly Sister Margaret Teresa) 92, died in Assisi House on July 10. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 73 years. Sister Margarita was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where she was a member of Sacred Heart Parish. She entered the congregation in 1935 and professed her first vows in 1938. Sister Margarita earned a B.S. in English from Villanova University and an M.A. in Education from the Catholic University of America. She ministered primarily in education on both elementary and secondary levels. In later years she worked in congregational ministry and in pastoral ministry and served both as librarian and sacristan at Neumann University. In her leisure time she enjoyed reading, doing puzzles, needlework, gardening, and singing.
Sister Margarita ministered for 65 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She taught at St. Ludwig School (1938-1944); All Saints School (1944-1950); St. Stanislaus School, Lansdale (1952-1954); St. Benedict School (1954-1956, 1970-1975 [Principal]); St. Elizabeth School (1960-1962); West Catholic High School (1962-1964); Resurrection School, Chester (1964-1967 [Principal]); St. Mary School, Manayunk (1967-1970 [Principal]); St. Mary School, Schwenksville (1975-1977 [Principal]); Hallahan High School (1977-1982); Cardinal Dougherty High School (1984-1988). From 1988-1998 she worked in the generalate office for the Sisters of St. Francis and as librarian at Neumann University. From 1998-2005 she volunteered as a sacristan at Neumann University and did volunteer clerical work in various offices at the motherhouse. From 2005-2006 she volunteered at Assisi House in Aston. Sister Margarita moved to Assisi House in 2006 where she served in prayer ministry until her death.
Sister Margarita also ministered in the Diocese of Allentown for eight years. She served at St. Francis Orphanage, Orwigsburg (1950-1952); St. Bartholomew School, Brockton (1956-1959); and St. Lawrence School, Catasauqua (1959-1960). From 1982-1984 she worked for the Catholic Social Agency of Allentown as a pastoral visitor.
All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, on Wednesday, July 13. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 9:30 A.M followed by viewing. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 A.M. Burial will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston. Sister Margarita is survived by two nephews, and by her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.
