Margaret Mary Birchmeier

Birchmeier, OP, Sister Margaret Mary born Irene Lucille Birchmeier in Owosso, MI died on April 14, 2023. She was 84 years old and a Dominican Sister for 65 years. 

Sister Margaret Mary earned a B.A. in Education from Aquinas College, an R.N. from Mercy Central School of Nursing, and a certificate in midwifery from Catholic Maternity Institute. 

She served for two years as a staff nurse at Guadalupe Hospital in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, and then began a new ministry in a recently established mission serving the poor in Chimbote, Peru. The Sisters already in Chimbote were doing catechetical work but there was a great need for someone to serve as a nurse-midwife and eventually Administrator.

A maternity program with the goal of instilling a deep understanding of health needs and respect for all life was organized. Eventually over 100 women and men from the area were trained as nurses, midwives, social workers, and lab technicians. 

With the leadership of Sisters Margaret Mary and Lillian Bockheim, the priests, people, Pittsburgh Diocese, Dominican Sisters and friends, the Centro de Obras Sociales now includes a 35-bed hospital, an outpatient clinic, a clinical laboratory, prenatal training for both new mothers and fathers, and a Well Baby Program to track newborns for the first year of life. A physical therapy program and speech program for children and adults were added to the services. To combat malnutrition, the staff work with mothers on nutrition and hygiene and make home visits. An orphanage is yet another addition to the services, bringing joy and laughter to the compound with the sounds of children playing and thriving until they can be reunited with their families or adopted by other families. 

The compound continues to be an oasis of hope for the people of Chimbote. Much of the cost of rebuilding and maintaining the mission is underwritten by the people of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, a relationship that spans decades and was always nourished by Sister Margaret Mary’s annual visits. 

Sister Margaret Mary had a deep love for liturgy which sustained her and those around her. She was constant in prayer and, through her witness, drew others to prayer. She brought a global perspective, a deep faith, and generous heart wherever she lived and served. We are grateful and blessed for having known her. Surely angels greeted her as she stepped over the threshold into Paradise. 

Sr. Margaret Mary is survived by her sister, Marge (Bernie) Korson, Rockford, MI; and her sister-in-law, Judy Birchmeier, New Lothrop, MI; nieces, nephews, many friends and members of her Dominican Community. 

In an effort to protect our vulnerable population from the Covid-19 virus, a private Funeral Mass with vaccinated immediate family members and Sisters will be celebrated at Chapel of the Word, Marywood on Tuesday, April 18. Masks are required. 

Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Sister Margaret Mary Birchmeier’s name may be made to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters.