Sr. Margaret Virginia Blum, OP

Sr. Margaret Virginia Blum, OP, a member of the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell for 80 years died peacefully at St. Catherine of Siena Healthcare Center in Caldwell, NJ on April 11, 2020 at the age of 99.

Sister's burial is private. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Catherine of Siena Convent Chapel, 7 Ryerson Ave. (Mount Saint Dominic) Caldwell at a later date.

Sr. Margaret Virginia exemplified kindness and generosity learned from the two most influential people in her life, her parents, Ralph and Theresa (Bundshu) Blum. Sister entered the Dominican Sisters of Caldwell on September 8, 1939, received the Dominican habit on September 22, 1940, made first profession on September 30, 1941 and final profession on September 23, 1947.

Sister earned her BA in Social Studies and English from Caldwell College (University) and an MA in American and European History from Seton Hall University. She pursued further studies in history and constitutional law at Dayton University, OH, Northwestern University, IL and the New School, NY.

Sr. Margaret Virginia was a devoted teacher to children at St. Aedan in Jersey City, St. Paul the Apostle in Irvington, St. Theresa in Paterson, and St. John, in Clark. Sister taught history at St. Mary High School in Rutherford and Union Catholic Girls High School in Scotch Plains and also served as Director of Development at Mt. St Dominic Academy in Caldwell and Grants Director at Caldwell University.

Sister Margaret Virginia's joy for life ran deep; the strength of her convictions was clear and steadfast. She brought the message of God's patient and never-failing love to others and reminded us that God is always present in our lives.

Sister was predeceased by her parents, Ralph and Theresa and her siblings Virginia Sullivan, Marian Higgins, Sr. Theresa Adele Blum, OSF, Robert Blum and Richard Blum. She is survived by her nieces and nephews Gini (Jerry) Ruthven, Terri (Charles) Grady, Peggy (Al) Groppo, Peggy Higgins, Michael (Sue) Higgins, John (Mary Jane) Higgins, Robert Blum (Jean), Kathie (Ken) Meinen, Ted (Sandra) Sullivan, Dick (Lucia) Sullivan, many grandnieces and grandnephews and her loving Sisters of St. Dominic.

Donations in Sister's memory to the Sisters of St. Dominic, One Ryerson Avenue, Caldwell, NJ 07006 would be appreciated.

Condolences may be left at www.proutfuneralhome.com.