Former Religious Name: Sister Mary Matthew
Home Parish: St. Joseph, Oil City, PA

Sister Margaret O’Brien, SSJ, formerly known as Sister Mary Matthew, has devoted her life to education and healthcare, serving children and older adults with compassion and dedication. From her early desire to become a Sister of St. Joseph to her many years ministering to the elderly, she has remained committed to her vocation and to sharing the congregation’s charism of being “neighbor with neighbor and neighbor with God.”

Sister Margaret was born on March 21, 1937, in Oil City, Pennsylvania. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in Oil City in 1956 and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on August 29 of that year, her mother’s birthday. She professed her final vows on August 15, 1964. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Villa Maria College in Erie in 1968, a certificate in gerontology from Gannon University in 1969, and a reading specialist certificate from Edinboro University in 1971. She also received nurse aide certification from the American Red Cross in 1986.

For 23 years, Sister Margaret served as an educator, teaching primary grades at several Erie Diocesan schools, including Blessed Sacrament, Villa Maria Elementary, Holy Rosary, and Our Lady of Peace in Erie. She also taught at St. Francis School in Clearfield, St. Bernard School in Bradford, and St. Leo School in Ridgway. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she served as superior of the Sisters of St. Joseph community in Bradford from 1974 to 1980 and ministered in physical and auxiliary services at Villa Maria College.

In 1986, Sister Margaret began a second career in healthcare at Saint Mary’s Home of Erie, where she initially served as a nurse’s aide. Over the years, she has worked in various capacities, including as a sister-supervisor, and has continued to care for residents with tenderness and respect. In 2014, she received the prestigious Médaille d’Or Medal from the board and administration of Saint Mary’s Home in recognition of her 28 years of dedication and service. In the following years, she continued her ministry part-time at Saint Mary’s East, working directly with residents.

Sister Margaret’s vocation began taking shape when she was a young girl. She remembers wanting to become a Sister and work with children in an orphanage. During seventh and eighth grades, her two aunts took her on retreats in Erie, where she was deeply moved by the quiet and time devoted to prayer. Her mother’s faith and the example of her aunts helped guide her early spiritual life. In high school, she began seriously considering religious life, seeking advice, speaking with other young women who were discerning a vocation, and meeting with the vocation director.

Throughout her years in ministry, Sister Margaret has drawn inspiration from Scripture, particularly the words of St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 13: “Love is patient, love is kind, love is never rude.” These words have guided her both in teaching young children and in caring for older adults. She also finds strength in 1 Corinthians 12:4–7, which speaks of the variety of gifts and services given through the same Spirit for the common good.

Sister Margaret credits Sister Therese Carey, SSJ, her first superior, with teaching her the importance of balancing prayer, study, and preparation. That guidance helped instill in her a lasting respect for time and the value of a well-ordered spiritual life. She encourages others to begin each day with prayer and, whenever possible, Mass, finding that the readings and reflections provide strength for the challenges ahead.

Whether teaching children or accompanying older adults, Sister Margaret has found meaning in helping others recognize their gifts and dignity. She treasures listening to residents share their stories, reflect on their accomplishments, and express their thoughts and opinions. Through her years of service, she continues to live out her vocation by remaining faithful to her vows, responding wherever she is needed, and offering her time and compassion to others.