On February 14, 1928, Valerie Margaret Le Claire was born in the small town of Escanaba, Michigan. Her father, Eugene, was a barber and her mother, Louise, was a full-time mom. To this day, one mystery remains: Why was Margaret – the ninth of ten children in the family – always called Margaret instead of Valerie?
From the beginning, Margaret was a part of a musical and joyful family. Each evening, the whole family would sing, dance, and make merry in the kitchen or on the porch. Neighbors, nieces, and nephews that Margaret babysat would often join in. What a choir it was!
Encouraged by Sister Speciose, a family friend, and her aunt, Sister Jocunda, Margaret entered the St. Joseph Convent Aspirancy after eighth grade. In 1945, she was received into the congregation and given the name Sister Virginelle. Most of her teaching ministries took place in Nebraska, New York, Mississippi, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Sister Margaret was an excellent teacher. Two of her former principals observed her in the classroom and said, “Students seem to enjoy learning, and I believe it is true because YOU enjoy teaching.” Another remarked, “Sister has good rapport with her pupils and parents. She is a tireless worker who puts in many long hours, a true professional who cares deeply for the children she teaches.”
Beyond teaching, Sister Margaret worked as a consulting author for Paulist Press. She also was an active, willing participant in numerous community organizations.
Many people have heard of the children’s puzzle books called Where’s Waldo. Well, in Margaret’s life, the question is “Where’s Sue?” as in Sister Sue Weinheimer. Their longstanding friendship began in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where Sister Margaret was teaching at St. Mark’s School. Sister Sue visited the parish and stayed at the convent while attending her father’s funeral. Sister Margaret, being her warm and welcoming self, made an impression on Sister Sue. When a position opened in Madison, Wisconsin, for a religious education teacher at Sister Sue’s parish, she asked Sister Margaret to join her. Always ready for a new challenge, Sister Margaret accepted, and the two have been constant companions ever since.
The sisters’ home since February 2025 is Sacred Heart in Milwaukee, where they’ve happily adjusted. Sister Margaret continues to do what she does best: greeting and welcoming everyone with her beautiful smile. This calls to mind a plane ride in which Sister Margaret walked down the aisle greeting everyone as if they were old friends. This was a perfect reflection of who she is.
Sister Margaret, small in stature but great in friendliness and generosity, has always been ready to lend a helping hand or a welcoming smile. We congratulate her and wish her one of the happiest Jubilees of her lifetime.