IHM Sr. Mary M. Davis Obituary

MONROE, Michigan – Sister Mary Margaret Davis, IHM, age 90, died in her sleep Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025.

Mary Margaret Davis was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 21, 1935, to Albert and Velaina Davis. She grew up in Detroit, attended Christ the King Elementary School, and graduated from Our Lady of Mercy High School. Mary Margaret left Detroit for St. Mary's College, Notre Dame, Indiana, where she completed two years of studies. In 1955, she entered the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Monroe, and received the religious name, Sister Mary Gregory. She was to celebrate her 70th Jubilee in 2026.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Marygrove College (1960) and a master's degree from Michigan State University (1969). Her educational ministry began at St. Mary of Redford, Detroit, before assignments at St. Thomas High School, Ann Arbor and St. Mary Academy, Monroe, where she also served as principal. After a year of renewal spent at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Sister Mary Margaret returned to high school education as faculty at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Westchester, Illinois, and at Mother McCauley in Chicago. The 1980s brought a transition to parish and adult ministry at St. Mary, Downers Grove, Illinois, and at the diocese of New Ulm, Minnesota.

A great change came as Sister was missioned to Managua, Nicaragua, to serve in pastoral and educational roles over the next seven years. This ministry was very enriching and perhaps led to her commitment to Latin refugees in the Chicago area through Su Casa-Central America Martyrs (or Su Casa Catholic Worker), where she served as a social worker and case manager for over 10 years.

When Sister Mary Margaret returned to Michigan as a Motherhouse resident, she continued her ministry through advocacy for laborers and social justice. She was often found working in the St. Mary Organic Farm or walking the Monroe Campus grounds. Her presence was welcoming to sisters, residents and staff, and was sought out for spiritual companionship and balance.

Sister Mary Margaret is survived by siblings Patricia, Helen, Rita and William, nieces and nephews, and her IHM Sisters in community. She was preceded in death by her sister Kathleen O'Shaunessy.

Burial has taken place according to Sister Mary Margaret's wishes. Services will be held at the IHM Motherhouse Chapel, 610 W. Elm Avenue, Monroe, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. Streaming begins at 10 a.m. with a Remembering and Memorial Mass. Arrangements in care of Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, 610 W. Elm Avenue, Monroe, MI 48162-7909.