Year Honored: 2002

Birth: 1919 - 2005

Born in: Mohill in County Leitrim, Ireland

Biography

Sister Ann Marguerite Gildea, a member of the Sister’s of Saint Frances for 66 years, was “known for being tenacious in her advocacy or the poor and beloved for her Irish Wit… [she] remains a legend among providers of social services the Wilmington Area.” Gildea helped to set the standards of shelter services and created awareness of the needs of the poor, especially homeless women.

In 1977, Gildea helped to found the Ministry of Caring, and was especially prominent in creating ‘the Guild,’ the ministries volunteer fundraising arm. For her contributions, the ministry named a fund in her honor that benefits homeless women and children. She later served as Director of Public Relations for the organization.

Gildea also founded the Mary Mother of Hope House I, the only shelter in Wilmington to care for homeless women during the 1970s. She served as director for 21 years. Both the Ministry of Caring and Hope House “grew into a comprehensive network of services for the poor.” Gildea was also a strong advocate for the poor bringing their causes before government groups, and inspiring others to help.
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Sources and Additional Readings

Baltimore Sun. (2021, September 30). Sister Ann Marguerite, 85, Catholic School educator. Baltimore Sun. Retrieved January 13, 2022, from https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2005-01-28-0501280141-story.html

Hope House. Ministry of caring : Emergency shelters. (n.d.). Retrieved January 13, 2022, from https://www.ministryofcaring.org/services/emergency-shelters/#hope-house-i

Special Funds and Memorials. Ministry of caring : Special funds/memorials. (n.d.). Retrieved January 13, 2022, from https://www.ministryofcaring.org/giving-options/special-fundsmemorials/

Sr Ann Marguerite Gildea (1920-2005) - find a... Find a Grave. (n.d.). Retrieved January 13, 2022, from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/10849219/ann-marguerite-gildea