Forty seven years ago, she was assigned to assist the late Sr. Theresa Tsang, fmm set up a new secondary girls’ school to serve the poor community in Ponggol, Singapore. The school started with just 2 classrooms borrowed from a neighbouring school. Eventually, after raising enough funds, the FMM were able to build a 3 storey building with over 20 classrooms. For 15 years at the new school, Hai Sing (Chinese for “Star of the Sea”), Sr. Margaret dedicated herself entirely to education and to helping her students, never seeking any reward for her work. Like an Angel she was always there for us whenever we needed her. She was compassionate, understanding, loving, caring, giving, optimistic and had a great sense of humour. She taught us the meaning of unconditional love and humility.

The second chapter of Sr. Margaret’s career in Education started in 1975 when she became principal of the Catholic Kindergarten which was run by the Marist Brothers.  She spent 18 years guiding the children of the kindergarten. She stayed on for 6 more years as advisor to the school board before retiring in year 2000 due to poor health.

Not only was she a good teacher, she is also a very talented musician. She made beautiful sounds with her guitar and obliged her fans when they urged her to teach them how to master the instrument. She also played active roles in various Mandarin speaking Church groups such as the choir, the Legion of Mary and the Bible Study group in different parishes.

Her contribution to society and especially to the Catholic community is immense.  She has touched many of our lives in immeasurable ways.  The Ministry of Education had awarded Sr. Margaret a Gold medal in recognition of her invaluable contribution to education. We, her “old girls” are very proud of her indeed. 

Wie Nie Cheah