"Armed with passion for life and her love for the Church, the Salvatorian Family, and the world, Sister Margaret gifted us with vision, energy, and talented leadership for more than 60 years.  Her role as principal of Divine Savior High School (1951-1957) shaped this institution during its earliest years.  As servant leader in parish ministry,  staff member of the Greater Milwaukee Conference on Religion and Urban Affairs, and first director of the Interfaith Program for the Elderly, she promoted ministry among underserved peoples in Milwaukee and created opportunities for new ways of being present to all in need.  As a gifted intellectual, she authored publications and grappled with new ideas even in the waning days of her life.  She will always be treasured and very much missed," said Provincial Sister Marion Etzel, SDS, 

She was born July 25, 1917, in Lawler, Iowa, Diocese of Dubuque, Iowa. Her parents John and Grace (Commerford) Shekleton moved to Milwaukee about ten years later and became members of a Salvatorian parish, Mother of Good Counsel. Margaret entered the Congregation on February 7, 1932, in Milwaukee and was invested August 12, 1933. She made First Vows August 13, 1934, and Perpetual Vows August 13, 1940, both at St. Mary's Convent, Milwaukee.

She earned Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in English Literature and a Masters of Arts degree in Theology, all from Marquette University. Besides her six years in formation work in the North American Province as Prefect of Postulants, she also served as Provincial Councilor and then Provincial Superior. The latter office she held during the challenging years (1965-1969) immediately following the Second Vatican Council.

Sister Margaret's ministry in teaching and educational administration included five years in Bloomer, Wisconsin, as an elementary teacher, and high school teaching at Divine Savior (now Divine Savior Holy Angels) High School at both locations, (35th and Center Streets and 100th Street and Capitol Drive). She served as first principal at the latter site from 1951-1957.

After serving in education and as provincial superior in the North American Province, Sister Margaret began another career in 1972 by joining the staff of the Greater Milwaukee Conference on Religion and Urban Affairs, representing a Catholic presence in ministry for older adults. It was in this role that Sister Margaret developed ecumenical relationships which broadened and enriched her life tremendously; these developed into a new venture called Interfaith Program for the Elderly of which she became the first director. In 1995 she was honored for this work by receiving the Catholic Social Services Monsignor Joseph P. Springob Award. This award is given annually to an individual whose life and work reflect the mission and philosophy of Catholic Social Services in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

In 1977 a bout with cancer caused Sister Margaret to end  her work with Interfaith. She was eventually asked to research and write the history of the North American Province. This book, Bending in Season, was published in 1985.

A third career developed for Sister Margaret when, along with Father Peter Schuessler, SDS, she began the Lay Ministry Program at Mother of Good Counsel Parish. Subsequently, she established the 55 Plus Club for senior citizens, also at Mother of Good Counsel Parish.

In 1992 Sister Margaret moved to our assisted living facility for retired and semi-retired Sisters at St. Anne's Convent, Milwaukee.

She was a woman of varied interests. Her great love for the Church, the world, and the Congregation gave her a vast breadth of vision and prompted her love for reading and discussing. Her enthusiasm for a particular issue was often contagious. During her years as Dean of Divine Savior Junior College and as Provincial, she planned workshops and seminars for the province members on Scripture, communication, personal growth, etc., for which the Sisters are grateful to this day.

During her last years when she was coping with diminishment and failing health, she spent much of her time in quiet prayer and continued to keep her mind stimulated through reading. she had a sincere trust in the intercession of our Founder Father Francis Jordan.

Although increasingly frail, Sister Margaret was up and about and continued to enjoy reading and visiting. Her condition changed suddenly on November 10th, She requested the Sacrament of the Sick and her family visited her. The Sisters kept vigil with her until she died peacefully on November 11th, while Sister Maureen Hopkins, SDS, was with her. Sister Margaret was 88 years old and professed for 71 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Donna Ripple, Mary Martin, and Mercedes Shekleton; her brothers Rev. Charles Shekleton, OSM, Frank Shekleton and sister-in-law Gertrude Shekleton. She is survived by her brother-in law John Ripple, many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, many friends and Sisters of the Divine Savior.

May she now rejoice forever with our loving and provident God. Memorials may be sent to the SDS Retirement Fund, SDS Development Office, 4311 North 100th Street, Milwaukee, WI   53222.