+ Sister Margaret Lucille Peterson, OP

Sister Margaret Lucille Peterson, OP, a devoted member of the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell for 76 years, entered eternal life on March 10, 2025, at the age of 95, at Saint Catherine of Siena Healthcare Center, Caldwell, NJ.

A wake and Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Saint Aloysius Church, 219 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, NJ. The livestreamed Mass can be viewed here. Burial immediately followed at Gethsemane Cemetery on the Motherhouse grounds.

Born in Passaic, NJ, Sister Margaret Lucille was the daughter of Carl W. and Agnes C. (McPartland) Peterson. She entered the Sisters of Saint Dominic on August 30, 1948, received the habit on April 21, 1949, and professed her first vows on April 22, 1950, followed by final profession on April 22, 1956.

A woman of deep faith and passion, Sister Margaret Lucille was a dedicated educator whose greatest joy was working with children and their families. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education/business from Caldwell University (formerly Caldwell College) and a Master of Science in administration from St. Bonaventure University. She also received certification in guidance and student personnel services from Seton Hall University, allowing her to support countless students in their formative years.

Throughout her many years of ministry, Sister Margaret Lucille shared her expertise and love for teaching in numerous schools. She taught at St. John the Apostle School (Clark) and St. Thomas More School (Fairfield). She served as principal at St. Mary School (Rahway), St. Antoninus School (Newark)—where she was also a parish ministry team member—and Lacordaire Academy Lower School (Upper Montclair). Additionally, she ministered as a guidance counselor and teacher at St. Philomena School (Aquinas Academy, Livingston) and later as a guidance counselor and pastoral associate at Our Lady of the Holy Angels School and Parish (Little Falls).

Beyond her work in education, Sister Margaret Lucille also served her congregation in leadership roles. She was the community personnel directress and later became Vicaress/Councilor of Life and Mission on the Leadership Team. In her final ministry before retirement, she was a resident manager at Lincoln Hill Village Senior Citizen Complex (West Milford), continuing to serve others with dedication and compassion.

Sister Margaret Lucille was predeceased by her parents, Carl and Agnes, her brother Kenneth F. Peterson and sister-in-law Dorothy, her sister Lorraine Peterson Johnston and brother-in-law Warren, and her nephews Edward F. Peterson and Kenneth J. Peterson. She is survived by her niece Maryann Peterson Locher and husband John, niece-in-law Ann Marie Peterson, many grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces, great-grandnephews, her friends, and her Dominican Sisters.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Sisters of Saint Dominic, One Ryerson Avenue, Caldwell, NJ 07006 would be appreciated.  Condolences, memories and photos may be left at www.proutfuneralhome.com.