Sr. Margaretta Black O.S.F. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Sr. Margaretta was born to Milton and Hedwig (nee: Poppe) Black in Chicago, Illinois where the family resided until she was three, and they moved to Indianapolis where she graduated from St. Joan of Arc School and St. Mary Academy. Margaretta often recalled her daily walks to school, Saturday movie matinees for 10 cents, streetcar rides to town, and victory gardens among her favorite childhood memories. The daughter of a German mother and first-generation father dedicated much of her life to education and was a graduate of Marian University, University of Cincinnati, Case Western Reserve University and the University of Wisconsin where she earned her doctorate degree. Margaretta taught in the Catholic elementary schools for eight years after which time she moved to the high school level, teaching French, religion and history. Shortly thereafter she began her thirty nine years of ministry at Marian University serving in such roles as French Professor, Academic Dean, Project Manager, Chair of the Language Department and Director of Study Abroad. She also served on the Marian University Board of Trustees as secretary and later as a member of the Board. Many speak of Margaretta as a gentle soul, purposeful, quick wit, and appreciation of flowers and beauty. She liked to knit, sew, crochet and cook. She loved the theater, opera, country music and singing in the choir. Visiting her Chicago cousins brought special joy. Sipping a cup of hot tea, while reading a French novel, was a delight. She was creative, a woman with a brilliant mind, prayerful, peaceful, private, and a very loving person. In reflecting upon her life, the Franciscan noted, “It has been a wondrous process of learning and living the evangelical life. It has meant ministry through teaching and counseling, in music and in leadership positions. It has given me a religious family rich in talent, irritatingly human, and delightfully solid.” In her later weeks of earthly life, Margaretta faced her human condition and spoke of going to her eternal home, her union with God. She was ready to be called. For God says, “Welcome home! You are precious in my eyes and glorious and I love you.”She is survived by cousins and preceded in death by her parents. Visitation is Tuesday, September 5th, from 1 - 3 p.m. at the convent chapel in Oldenburg. Funeral services follow at 3 p.m with Rev. Bill Turner officiating. Memorials may be made to the Srs. of St. Francis, P.O. Box 100, Oldenburg, IN, 47036 (www.OldenburgFranciscans.org).

Sr. Margaretta Black O.S.F.

October 26, 1933 - September 1, 2017