Sister Grace McKigney, C.S.J.

Funeral Information

Sr. Grace McKigney | January 24, 1927 — May 18, 2019

Grace Catherine was born on January 24, 1927 to Melvina and Henry McKigney. Her only brother, John, was two years older. The McKigneys lived on a working dairy farm in Marshall, MN. They experienced a significant loss in 1935 when Grace was eight years old. Her mother became ill and died, leaving Grace’s father to raise her and her brother John.

Fortunately, they were surrounded by loving family who offered love and support. They lived across the road from Uncle Ben McKigney and Aunt Nellie, who were incredibly good to Grace and John as they were growing up. Various people worked in their home and helped with the cooking and cleaning and washing — those were the good days. Her cousins and Aunt Margaret were very good to Grace and her family! They even lived with them for some time.

Grace attended St. Joseph’s Academy for grade school, where her mom also went to school. It was there that she was positively influenced by the Sisters of St. Joseph. After graduating from St. Joseph’s Academy, she went to Marshall High School. While living in Marshall, the McKigneys belonged to Holy Redeemer Parish.

Grace’s Dad approved of her entering religious life with the sisters of St. Joseph. However, he wanted her to go to college for a year first, so she would be used to being away from home before entering the convent. He knew that once she joined the Sisters she would not be able to go home for six years. She was a proud graduate from St. Catherine’s College.

Grace entered the convent in September of 1945. She received her habit in March of 1946 with the name Sr. Margaret Henry. When the sisters went back to their baptismal names, she returned to Sr. Grace.

Grace loved music and taught piano to children for 24 years at whatever school she was assigned. There were times when she had up to 65 students — this kept her quite busy!

She was blessed to teach at St. Helena’s and St. Thomas the Apostle in Minneapolis, St. Mary’s in Grand Forks, and St. Agatha’s and St. John’s in St. Paul before she landed at Nativity of Our Lord School. She began there in 1959, where she worked for five years. She was then assigned to Jamestown, North Dakota and St. Alyousious in Olivia, MN. She was hired by Sr. Victoria Houle in 1972 and so returned to Nativity of Our Lord School in St. Paul until her retirement in 2004 — after 32 years of loving service. She continued to serve the school she loved until she was 90 years old as a beloved volunteer.

Sr. Grace and the other sisters moved from Nativity Convent to the Provincial House where she lived until Carondelet opened on Dec 7, 2011. She always appreciated the great care given to her by those who worked at Carondelet over the years. She developed wonderful relationships with other sisters, residents, and staff and enjoyed sharing stories and jokes with those with whom she visited.

There was always a twinkle in her eyes and a joyful laugh that she shared generously with those around her. She will be missed by many!