Sister Margaret Ann Verzwyvelt, CDP
May 31, 1934 – August 20, 2023
Sister Margaret Ann Verzwyvelt, CDP, (also known as Sister M. Gregory) entered eternal life on August 20, 2023, at the age of 89. She was born May 31, 1934, in Alexandria, Louisiana to Fabian and Eva (Matthews) Verzwyvelt and was one of six children. The Sisters of Divine Providence have been a part of her life since she was a child. When she answered God’s call to religious life, it was a natural and easy transition to the Congregation of Divine Providence.
She professed her first vows as a Sister of Divine Providence on June 22, 1954. Sister Margaret Ann’s steadfast prayer life and deep devotion to our Blessed Mother were a constant during her lifetime of service to God’s people through various ministries in Texas and Louisiana and her presence and community service at the convent during the last nine years of her life.
Sister Margaret Ann earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Our Lady of the Lake College, in San Antonio, Texas. However, she spent 25 years in education that encompassed various roles: teacher grades 1-7, principal, and girls’ coach. She transitioned to the dietary ministry at the congregation’s Moye Retreat Center in Castroville, Texas for the next ten years. Her cooking skills were savored and enjoyed by many.
She returned to Alexandria to help care for her elderly parents and also providentially found herself in her most rewarding ministry: child care. She took care of various families’ children from infancy to school age and was a beacon of hope and strength to those who experienced the loss of a pregnancy or who grieved due to a divorce. Additionally, she took care of the children when the parents needed time for a night out or parent meetings. She often spoke about the children’s accomplishments and asked for prayers during the chapters of their lives.
During her years in Alexandria, Sister Margaret Ann was the coordinator for the local Associates of the Congregation of Divine Providence. These lay people formally accepted to follow the charism and value of Providence. Together Sister Margaret Ann and the Associates served the needs of the poor in the area by spreading the charism of Providence.
Sister valued her contribution to her congregation and always made sure to do her part. In 2014, Sister Margaret Ann returned to Our Lady of the Lake Convent and put her strong sewing skills to use at Feltin Center. She was a part of the team who made quilts, and sewed items for annual arts and crafts sales. Her talents were shared until less than a year ago when she fully retired to McCullough Hall Nursing Center. She enjoyed God’s daily blessings in her life. Now all who knew her will thank God for the great blessing of Sister Margaret Ann in their lives.
She is survived by her siblings Carl Verzwyvelt and Joyce DeKeyzer, numerous nieces and nephews, and the Sisters of Divine Providence who will all miss her greatly. She was preceded in death by her parents Fabian and Eva Verzwyvelt and brothers Blanchard, George, and Richard.
The Rosary is Friday, August 25, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. and the Wake is at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Resurrection will be Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. All services will be in Annunciation Chapel at Our Lady of the Lake Convent Center.
In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make a memorial contribution to the Sisters of Divine Providence, 515 S.W. 24th Street, San Antonio, TX 78207-4619.