Sister Margaret (Keller) Mary

Obituary Sister Margaret Keller, (M. Dolorita) OP Sister Margaret Keller, a Seattle native, was born on August 28, 1920 to William and Elma (Louisiana) Keller. She attended Holy Rosary School in West Seattle where she met the Tacoma Dominicans. Her high school years were at Holy Angels High School in Ballard. On September 15, 1937 she traveled to Marymount and entered the Tacoma Dominican Community. At her reception in 1938 she received the name of Sister Mary Dolorita of St. Joseph. First profession was made in 1939 and final profession in 1942. She received her education at Central Washington in Ellensburg, Seattle University, the University of Washington and Dominican College in San Rafael, CA. Her parents William and Elma, her brother Albert and her sister Dorothy preceded her in death as did her niece Robin. She is survived by her niece Terri Wilson. Sister Margaret taught for 34 years in the Archdiocese of Seattle and in California. In the Archdiocese, she taught at Assumption, Bellingham; St. Mary, Centralia; Holy Cross, Tacoma; St. Edward, Seattle; Mount Virgin, Seattle; Aquinas Academy, Tacoma; and Holy Rosary High School, Seattle. Sister Margaret taught at Garces Memorial High School in Bakersfield, CA. Following her years of classroom teaching, she worked as a school secretary and later at a chemical dependency center. For several years, she served as medical records coordinator for the Congregation. Prior to moving to St. Joseph Residence, she enjoyed working with senior citizens and often served as care giver for persons in Tacoma. She was also an active member of St. Patrick Church in Tacoma where she served as Eucharistic Minister. Prior to her death, she resided at St. Joseph Residence in West Seattle, Sr. Margaret engaged in reading, knitting and being a presence to the other members of the SJR community. Her knitting items graced many a sale and bazaar. Even in her retirement, Sister Margaret continued to work for the community in whatever way she could. Services for Sister Margaret will be at St. Joseph Residence on Monday, April 15. Vigil will be at 10:15 AM and Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM. Burial will be on Tuesday, April 16 at Calvary Cemetery in Tacoma at 1:00 PM. Memorial donations may be made to Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 935 Fawcett Ave., Tacoma, WA 98402 Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home