Peg Burns

Peg is a native of Rockford, Illinois, and attended various schools there. She married Dick Burns, and together they raised a daughter, Susan, and a son, David. Now they enjoy spending their time with their two grandchildren. A former choir member, Peg now enjoys knitting, sewing, baking bread, and listening to music.

Once her children were older, Peg felt called to work outside the home. Volunteer work didn’t fully satisfy her desire to make a meaningful contribution to others. In 1973, she accepted a position in the Religious Education Office for the Diocese of Rockford, where she became acquainted with Sister Celine Loftus, a member of the School Sisters of St. Francis. During this time, Peg came to know the community more deeply.

Then in 1976, a secretarial position opened at the School Sister of St. Francis Provincial House in Rockford. With encouragement (and likely a strong recommendation) from Sister Celine, Peg applied and was offered the job. She served as secretary for the Rockford Province until it closed.

During these years, Peg became more familiar with the sisters and associates, and she witnessed firsthand their spirit of service. She began exploring the Associate Relationship more intentionally and requested to become an associate in 1985. She was drawn to the way the sisters and associates lived the Gospel message of Christ through their daily acts of care and compassion.

Becoming an associate allowed Peg to stay in touch with the sisters and associates whom she had met over the years and grown to value. She identified strongly with them and wanted to be a part of their community. She is a member of the Chiara Area Community.

Peg’s connection to the School Sisters of St. Francis has deepened her commitment to social justice as a way of living out the Gospel. Peg has become active in Church Women United, and both she and Dick have supported Womanspace, the center for arts and learning in Rockford.

Now retired, Peg enjoys a fulfilling life as an Associate Relationship Lifetime Partner, enjoying time with Dick, Susan, David, and her grandchildren.

Congratulations, Peg, on your 40th Jubilee. We are grateful for your years of dedication and for the way you have shared your life as a committed associate.