Sr. Margaret Eleanor Wilkinson, O.Ss.R., 85, of Liguori died May 13, 2020. Sr. Eleanor was born Dec. 12, 1934, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, the daughter of the late Thelma (Ryan) and Wilfrid Wilkinson. She entered the Redemptoristine Nuns in Barrie, Ontario, Canada in 1954 and made profession in 1957. In 1960 she was sent in the first group of sisters to found a monastery in the Archdiocese of St. Louis on the grounds of Liguori Publications near Barnhart. She was known as a person of great compassion. She served the community as Prioress and Formator and was always willing to lend a helping hand where needed. In 1991 she was named one of the sisters to start a foundation in South Africa, remaining there until returning to Liguori, where she again became a vital part of the community. Her life of prayer reached over a span of 60-plus years.
She is survived by two sisters: Joan and Carole; and four brothers: Wilfrid, John, Frank and Tom, all of Canada.
She was preceded in death by three sisters: Christine, Gerry and Ursula; and two infant siblings.
Because of the pandemic, private services will be held. Burial will be in the Redemptoristine Cemetery at Liguori, officiated by Father Bryon Miller, Father Victor Karls and Father Gan Nguyen. Arrangements were under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.