Dominican Sister of Peace Margaret Philip (Phyllis Frances) Shaw, OP (91), died on May 22, 2022, at the Sansbury Care Center in St. Catharine, KY.
Sr. Margaret Philip was accustomed to living in community from an early age, growing up with seven siblings and parents Margaret Sheehan and Philip Shaw. After graduating high school in Charlestown, MA, she worked as an administrative assistant for a year before entering the Congregation in 1949. She made First Profession in 1951 and took her final vows in 1954. Sr. Margaret Philip served God’s people faithfully for more than 70 years.
Like so many of her generation, Sr. Margaret Philip began her ministry in education. She served as a teacher in Kentucky, New Jersey, Nebraska and Massachusetts, earning her bachelor’s degree in Education/English from Siena College along the way.
In 1968 she became a principal in Lima, OH, and continued to serve as a teacher and administrator in Ohio, Kentucky, and Massachusetts for more than two decades. She was loved by students and parents alike throughout her long ministry in education.
Back in her home state of Massachusetts, Sr. Margaret Philip served as a parish minister and as a research assistant in Watertown before beginning a ministry of prayer at Rosary Manor. She returned to the St. Catharine Motherhouse in 2004 and entered a ministry of prayer and presence at the Sansbury Care Center in 2007.
In her reflection at Sr. Margaret Philip’s funeral, Sr. Chris Loughlin, OP, noted that everyone who knew Sr. Margaret Philip was struck by her gratitude, she said thank you for each act of kindness, for every caring effort – and was grateful always for God’s hand in her life.
Sister Margaret Phillip is survived by several nieces and nephews.
A Vigil Service was held on June 1, and the Mass of Christian Burial on June 2, both at the Sansbury Care Center Chapel. Sister Margaret Philip Shaw was buried at the St. Catharine Motherhouse cemetery.
To donate in Sr. Margaret Philips’s memory, please click here.
To download a printable copy of this memorial, click here.
Memorial gifts in Sr. Frances’ memory may also be sent to the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr., Columbus, OH 43219.