Sister M. Margaret Gradl, IHM, formerly known as Sister M. Anne Bernard, died on July 12, 2026 in Camilla Hall in her 70th year as a Sister, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Throughout her years Sister Margaret served in numerous educational leadership positions. In addition to her IHM Community, she is survived by her sisters, Elaine McLaughlin, Anne Sweeney and Barbara Rizzi, as well as her many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Her parents, Johann Gradl and Anna (Klaffl) Gradl, both originally from Germany, and her brothers-in-law, William, Donald (JP) and William, pre-deceased Sister.
Sister’s family were lifelong members of St. William parish, with Margaret attending grade school there, graduating in 1952, and Little Flower High School, finishing in 1956. She entered the Immaculate Heart community September 8, 1956, receiving her habit on March 9, 1957, making her first vows August 19, 1958, and final vows five years later in 1963. Sister Margaret earned her A.B. in Elementary Education from Immaculata in 1971, a MS. in Educational Administration from Temple University in 1977; she also completed a certification in Music from PA in 1975, as well as in Secondary Administration from FL and as an Elementary Principal in 1991.
Following her profession of first vows, Sister was assigned to Holy Name School in Philadelphia to teach grade six and music, and the next year to St. Maria Goretti in Hatfield for four years for both music and teacher of grades five and six. Remaining in the parish, Sister advanced to teach grades six and seven and music for seven years. In 1970 Sister was assigned to Villa Maria in Malvern, first as the principal and then as fifth grade teacher. Moving with Villa Maria Academy to the Motherhouse in 1979, Sister Margaret again undertook the position of principal. In 1981 she traveled to Miami Shores to St. Rose of Lima School, again to undertake the role of principal, a position she executed for over nine years. In 1991 Sister returned to Philadelphia to become the Superintendent of Elementary Schools for the archdiocese while residing at Good Shepherd Convent. From this level Sister Margaret transferred her administrative abilities in 1998 to oversee Camilla Hall Infirmary for the next 12 years. In August 2010, Sister engaged in a five-month sabbatical while residing at Villa Maria House of Studies. In the beginning of 2011, she assumed the position of administrative assistant in the Office of IHM Mission Advancement while remaining in residence at the Motherhouse. In April 2021, she entered Camilla Hall to assist as a pastoral visitor.
Sister Margaret Gradl’s Funeral Liturgy was concelebrated at Camilla Hall on Friday, July 17, 2026. Reverend John Joseph, O. Praem, was the main celebrant and homilist. Reverend William Trader, O. Praem and Reverend Francis Chambers, OSA joined Father John Joseph in the celebration.
In Sister M. Margaret Gradl’s memory, a donation may be sent to:
Camilla Hall Nursing Home
IHM Mission Advancement Office
230 IHM Drive
Malvern, PA