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Margaret Pellerite, SSJ
SisterBiography
Former Religious Name: Sister Anthony Marie
Home Parish: St. Francis, Clearfield, PA
Sister Margaret Pellerite, SSJ, formerly known as Sister Anthony Marie, has dedicated her life to education and service, inspiring generations of students through her commitment to teaching and faith. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1958 and professed final vows in 1966.
Sister Margaret earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Villa Maria College in Erie in 1965. She also received National Science Foundation grants to pursue additional studies in mathematics. Her teaching ministry began at Blessed Sacrament School in Erie, where she served from 1958 to 1960, followed by Sacred Heart School from 1960 to 1965 and Our Lady’s Christian School from 1965 to 1967. Since 1967, she has taught at Kennedy Catholic High School, continuing her longstanding dedication to education.
A guiding inspiration in Sister Margaret’s life is the passage from Micah 6: “This is what God requires of you, only this, to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God.” She views these words as a signpost for living in accordance with God’s will and helping others do the same. When difficulties arise, she reflects on God’s presence and the reminder that, with God, all things are possible. This reflection helps her begin again with renewed faith and trust.
Sister Margaret’s mother was a profound influence on her spiritual life. Through a strong prayer life and countless acts of mercy, her mother demonstrated what it meant to live one’s faith fully, caring for family, neighbors, and anyone in need. Sister Benita Repasky, SSJ, also deeply influenced her, strengthening her love of prayer and deepening her desire to serve people living in poverty. Together, these women provided powerful examples of Christian faith in action.
Sister Margaret felt drawn to teaching from a young age. The Sisters who taught her inspired her through their care and concern for their students, and their lives of prayer and service reflected the example she had witnessed in her mother. Her call to become a Sister of St. Joseph became clear when she attended a liturgy at which several of her college classmates received the religious habit. Inspired by their example, she chose to dedicate her life to the service of God and neighbor through education and faith.
