Sister Margaret Siffert, O.S.B., a Benedictine sister of Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman, died on Thursday, July 14, at the age of 58 after an extended illness. Sisters and family members kept vigil at her bedside during her final days.

Reception of the Body with Vespers for the Dead was held Monday, July 18, in Sacred Heart Monastery Chapel in Cullman. The Mass of Christian Burial was held the next day with Abbot Marcus Voss, O.S.B., presiding.

Born in 1963 in Eunice, LA, to Herschell and Verda Mae Siffert, Siffert was baptized at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Eunice. Raised in a faith-filled home by parents who prioritized a Catholic education, Siffert attended St. Edmund School in Eunice, graduating in 1981. She later earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she was active in the Catholic Student Center and helped lead student retreats. After college, Siffert embarked on a lengthy career in human resources administration.

While excelling in her career, Siffert’s primary commitment was to lovingly raise her two children. Anchored by her Catholic faith, Siffert devoted herself to creating a loving home in which faith and family were paramount. She was active in her parish, serving as sacristan, Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, RCIA facilitator, retreat staff member, CCD instructor, and parish council member.

During her adult years, Siffert’s faith and prayer life continued to deepen, and she eventually felt a call to serve as a spiritual director. She completed an extensive training program in 2010 and, subsequently, served as a wise spiritual companion to many, listening with a caring heart as others shared their heart, their world, and their troubles with her.

As she guided others, Siffert began to discern another call within her own heart - the call to religious life. After discerning with the Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Siffert entered the community as a postulant in August of 2020. In August 2021, she entered the novitiate, becoming Sister Margaret. After a few months as a novice, Sister Siffert became ill, eventually receiving the diagnosis of a rapidly advancing terminal illness. With special permission from the Vatican, Sister Siffert was allowed to make her monastic profession early in light of her terminal illness. On Sunday, April 24, during II Vespers of the Octave Sunday of Easter, Sister Siffert made her perpetual monastic profession.

During Sister Siffert’s nearly two years in the monastic community, she was a bright light and a joyful, prayerful presence. She quickly became a beloved member of the community, with goodness, kindness, a welcoming spirit, and joy characterizing her presence within the monastic community. Her attention to daily gifts of God such as sunrises and sunsets were not only a source of connection to God for her, but also an inspiration to the community and to others.

Within the community, Sister Siffert served in the sacristy, retreat center, and other areas. She approached her postulancy and novitiate classes with much eagerness to learn and grow in her monastic life. Her devotion to prayer was ever-present.

During her illness, Sister Siffert’s faith was an anchor. She did not shy away from questioning God, but she always returned to the certainty of her faith in God. Deep faith in God’s ways and God’s call marked her journey, and she confidently trusted in the promise of Heaven.

Sister Siffert cherished her close, loving family, and her love for her children, grandchildren, siblings and extended family, her Benedictine community, her vocation, and her friends was evident. Visits made to the monastery by her children, grandchildren (who called her by the sweet name of Honey), and siblings were joyous occasions. The monastic community was also enriched by the strong faith of Sister Siffert’s family and their deep family bonds.

Sister Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; a sister-in-law, Tammy Siffert; and a niece, Gretchen Siffert.

Survivors include her children, Catherine Walker (Billy) and Matthew Guillory (Tayler); grandchildren, Emma, Adelyn, and Wyatt; siblings, Mary Siffert Balleza, Linda Siffert Hulme, John Siffert, James Siffert, Dolores Siffert Coffey, Robert Siffert, Paul Siffert, and Christopher Siffert; her Benedictine sisters; and extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, AL, 916 Convent Rd., Cullman, AL, 35055.