(This article was taken from a 2001 parent note written by Mr. Don Ancypa)

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Sister Marie Gregory O'Connor SSJ. Sister had been failing in health in recent months as the effects of several small strokes confined her to a wheelchair and then to her bed. Fondly remembered by two generations of St. Joan of Arc students, "Sister Sarge", gave 28 years to SJA, as a teacher and a librarian, and just before retirement, alumni director. Sister Marie Gregory gave over 67 of her 86 years to the Sisiters of St. Joseph of Nazareth, Michigan. She was truly a woman of faith, and also a guardian of morals and manners in shaping young lives. With her Irish sense of humor, she could banter with the best of them! She has been missed since she retired from SJA only two years ago (1999). Memories of her will always be a part of SJA lore.

Among the many things Sister Marie Gregory was known for,the best were her famous shoe boxes of index cards, with a card for every student she taught at SJA. And sister would update that info when she heard that someone married or moved. There are two large boxes with thousands of cards for her students, that she never forgot. She usually recognized every former student and quickly came up with an anecdote or details that showed how important these people were in her memory.