A sold out crowd of friends, family and loved ones of our beloved Sister Peggy Byrne gathered on May 9, 2013 in Fargo, ND to honor her 55 years as a Presentation Sister and her legacy of education in the United States and Peru. In tribute to her Irish heritage, the evening included a baked potato bar, live bagpipe music, Irish beer tasting, several outrageous green costumes, and Irish toasts and blessings.
Guests arrived from far and wide, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Indiana and, of course, Chimbote, Peru. Keith Guercio brought spectacular humor and warmth as the emcee for the event. Sister Mary Margaret Mooney, Mary Beth Moynihan, Pat Klein, Kassey Kenney, Curt and Barb Coleman, Gary Zespy, Father John Licari, Hector Bosse, and Marlene Christenson were a few of the guests who shared special messages and memories about Sister Peggy. The entire room burst into applause following a one-of-a-kind performance of “Here Comes the Nun” by the Soul Sisters (Curt Coleman, Father John Licari and Keith Guercio dressed in habits).
Friends of Chimbote presented Sister Peggy with a commemorative Waterford crystal shamrock in recognition of her dedication, perseverance and genuine charity. Following a soulful thank you and address by Sister Peggy, the evening culminated with a slideshow of Sister Peggy’s work set to the tune of “Irish Eyes are Smiling”.
