Sister Margaret Mary Turk, RSM, died May 9 at Mercy Convent in Nashville following a long illness.
Sister Margaret, who was 86, served as a Sister of Mercy for 69 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Matthew and Margaret Coleman Turk, and her siblings, Father Matthew Turk, SJ, David, George, Vincent, Michael, Don, and John Turk, and Patricia Yoste.
She is survived by her sister, Alice Dunbar, and many loving nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Sister Margaret also is survived by her loving Mercy community.
Sister Margaret held positions in education in Catholic schools in Tennessee and Ohio. She served as a parish associate and prison chaplain. She ministered at Brescia College in Owensboro, Ky., and in the office of Sexual Assault Prevention in Lebanon, Va.
In 2002, Sister Margaret began working at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Knoxville. During her ministry in Senior Community Services, she wrote grants, developed parish nurse programs, taught alternative stress reduction techniques, and counseled abused women.
And as a member of the pastoral care team, she brought her smiling and caring presence to patients, families, and employees. Sister Margaret retired in 2016 and moved to Mercy Convent in Nashville to continue her ministry of prayer and service.
Following the legacy of Catherine McCauley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, Sister Margaret extended compassion and hospitality. Her commitment to God was reflected by the motto “Thy Will Be Done” inscribed in her ring. Her closeness to God was evidenced by all.
A private funeral was held at Mercy Convent followed by a burial at Calvary Cemetery in Nashville. Memories and expressions of sympathy can be shared at www.marshalldonnellycombs.com for the Turk family and for Sister Margaret’s Sisters of Mercy family.
