Martha Delphine — “Mattie” — was born Sept. 7, 1907, the third child of 13, six boys and seven girls. Her parents were Chester Taylor and Leora (Barnes) Sipes of Flaherty, Ky. Living in close daily contact with a group this size was an education in itself. Martha’s first six years of formal education were at Hill Grove School with Sam Singleton as teacher, then Garret School with Anne Marie Mattingly as teacher and later at Maple Grove School with Essie Matthews as teacher. While attending Saint Martin’s Parochial School in Flaherty, Mattie met and was guided by Ursuline Sisters Ignatius, Leona, Aloise and Basil. When she became a junior she entered Mount Saint Joseph Academy and finished high school there. At the age of 15 she entered the novitiate with 11 other ladies. Her sister, Mary Beulah (Sister Bernadita), was one of them.
On March 19, 1924, Mattie received the habit and became Sister Margaret. From 1925 to 1981 Sister taught in Kentucky and Missouri schools. She is remembered as an excellent teacher. During her teaching career she developed a set of seatwork pages which were later published.
In 1981‑82, Sister came to the Motherhouse to retire and resided in Paul Volk Hall. She spent her days in service of others, repairing sewing machines, cleaning, visiting the sick and other chores. She now had time for extra prayers.
Sister became ill and was taken to Mercy Hospital on August 6, 1994, and died there on August 8th. Her funeral Mass was celebrated by Reverend Richard Meredith. Her remains are buried in the convent cemetery.