Margaret M. Shearn "Peggy" , 98, of Grand Forks, ND passed away Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Valley Senior Living, (Heartstone Memory Care) in Grand Forks.

Peggy was born June 8, 1925, to John J. and Margaret M. (Hasson) Shearn, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She attended school in Delaware county. Peggy's early education took place at St. Cyril's Elementary School in Upper Darby, followed by Stonehurst Hills School and Upper Darby Junior and Senior High. Her formative years laid the foundation for a life dedicated to both education and service.

She began her journey of faith by entering the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament on August 25, 1946. Making a solemn commitment, she professed her First Vows on July 16, 1949, under the religious name Sister Veronica Marie Shearn.

As a devoted Sister of the Blessed Sacrament, Peggy embarked on a career in teaching. She shared her passion for knowledge as a 5th-grade teacher at Holy Providence from 1948 to 1949. Her journey continued at St. Anselm's in Chicago, where she lovingly taught elementary school from 1949 until the summer of 1955.

In the summer of 1955, Peggy made the heartfelt decision to leave the congregation, choosing a different path for herself. Although her journey took her away from religious life, her impact on the lives of her students and colleagues endured.

Later in life, Peggy contributed over 30 years to Federal Civil Service, working with dedication at the U.S. Passport Office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her role in history became particularly notable when she processed Cassius Clay's passport application, issuing a new passport in the name of the iconic Muhammad Ali. Peggy later moved to North Dakota to be with her sister Alice. She was a Eucharistic Minister at Holy Family Church for over a decade. She also cleaned the church, watered plants, and volunteered for the church in a number of capacities.

Peggy's legacy is one of faith, education, and public service. Her kindness, dedication, and the mark she left on history will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Left to cherish her memory are Donna Berube (Niece/daughter) and Richard Kobilansky (Nephew/son) of Alice T. Kobilansky (Shearn) her younger sister.

A Burial service to celebrate Peggy's life will be held on 5/15/2024, 2:00 at Calvary (North) Cemetery in Grand Forks with Fr. Meyer officiating. A Memorial Mass with lunch and reception will follow at Holy Family Church, 1018 18th Ave S, Grand Forks, ND 58201 at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to Holy Family Church in her memory.

Blessed be the memory of Margaret "Peggy" Shearn. May she rest in peace, her spirit forever alive in the hearts of those she touched throughout her remarkable journey.