May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be Everywhere Loved!

“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks… She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” — Proverbs 31:17, 20 

These words from the book of Proverbs are a beautiful summary of our sister, Margaret’s life: a rich life of 92 years, lived with Jesus and for Jesus. On Friday 26^th December our dear sister, Margaret, gently and peacefully breathed her last breath as she surrendered to her loving God whom she had served lovingly and faithfully as a Daughter of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart for close to seven decades.

To Margaret’s family, and all her relatives and friends who loved her so much and are deeply saddened by her death, we offer our deep sympathy and love. You know well her deep love for you, her pride and joy in you and her gratitude to you.  We also offer sympathy to those who join us via live streaming from around Australia and the world, especially our Sisters and all Marg’s friends and our Associates in Alice Springs and Corinda.

Margaret Reis, Marg, as she was known to many of us, was born, in Toowoomba, Queensland, on the 11^th July 1933 to Ernest and Christina.  She was the fourth of twelve children in this big lively family. Her father Ernest was a farmer and life on the farm near Nobby was simple but full of adventure. Margaret came from a loving family, and enjoyed living in a close-knit farming community, especially during celebrations of birthdays and any event that warranted a party. Marg often laughed about the games they played—rolling down hills in old tyres, playing cricket and hopscotch, She’d say, “We were never bored,” and you could hear the joy in her voice. No doubt Marg learnt some of her excellent culinary skills from her dear mother as she prepared meals for her large family. Her parents lived a life of integrity and their strength during the difficult years, having lived during the depression and war times, came from their deep religious faith and daily prayer.

Marg’s childhood wasn’t without its challenges. She remembered walking miles to school, sometimes over hills she hated, and doing chores like milking cows and collecting wood before and after class. She wasn’t a big fan of school, and she recalled standing around the blackboard for one of the lessons and when she was asked s question she fainted and fell down behind the wood heater ending up with a lump on her head—after that, school got a bit better as she was never made to stand for lessons again!

After leaving school and working in a restaurant, Marg answered God’s call and began her novitiate at Hartzer Park in 1954.  She found Hartzer Park a happy place where she felt at home and at peace. It was no surprise that Marg felt at home at Hartzer Park since her brothers Stan and Michael had entered the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart and so they belonged to two families the Reis family and the Chevalier Family.  Marg was professed as a Daughter of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in 1956—a commitment she lived with joy and fidelity for the rest of her life. From that moment on, Marg’s life became an adventure of service—cooking in kitchens from Brisbane to Melbourne, and then to Alice Springs, Santa Teresa, Daly River, Corinda and beyond. She loved the people she lived with and

ministered to, especially in Aboriginal communities, and spoke fondly of  walking through spinifex-covered hills on weekends, coming home scratched but happy.

Marg was always happy to take on the humblest of tasks within the community. At times this meant that she had to rise early (at the crack of dawn) to carry them out. She was thoughtful and exceptionally generous in her service to the sisters in community. She was gracious and hospitable to all who visited. In later years, Marg continued her mission through St Vincent de Paul, sorting clothes and sewing skirts and quilts for those in need. She often said she wouldn’t change a thing—she was happy wherever she was and in whatever she did. A woman of integrity, she lived her entire religious life as a whole-hearted gift to God and God’s people, in quiet fidelity and without fanfare.

Marg was a beautiful woman and a beautiful Daughter of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. She was a people’s person; she loved being with and talking to people on any level. She was always ready to assist others in whatever way she could. Marg could sit over a cup of coffee and chat about any topic that was of interest to the other person or herself.

She loved cooking and craft and was known to win a few ribbons in the Alice Springs Show for her baking, knitting and crocheting. She also loved gardening and reading and she said keeping in touch with her relatives as something she loved doing; such was the importance of family to Marg. Those who lived with her remember her as a kind, unassuming and down to earth person who treated everyone with equal dignity and respect. She had a great sense of humour; she told the story of trying rollerblades with another sister, Marg thought roller blading looked easy, until she put them on, stood up, and immediately fell flat.

In 2024 when it was becoming apparent that Margaret’s health was failing, she transferred to St Joseph’s Aged Care Facility. Here she was beautifully cared for until her death. We will be ever grateful to Ernest and Christina and the Reis family for the gift of Margaret to our Congregation!

In Marg’s personal notes, reflecting on her life she wrote; ‘It’s been a good life, I have spent a lot of time between Alice Springs and Corinda – my two favourite places.’ Marg’s story is one of love and deep faith. She gave her life wholeheartedly to God and others, and in doing so, touched countless hearts. Today, we remember her not just for what she did, but for who she was, a Sister who made the world brighter with her kindness, humour and unwavering faith.

Go in peace dear Marg, united with your God, the one who loved you into life. Thank you for your faith filled witness and your beautiful generous heart.

May your gracious soul rest in peace.

Philippa Murphy FDNSC
Provincial Leader

6^th January 2026