Lucinda Peightal, SNJM

Lucinda Peightal was born in North Dakota, the eldest of the three daughters of Percival and Helen Mary (O’Hern) Peightal. She attended Holy Redeemer Grade School and St. Mary’s Academy in Portland, Oregon, but completed high school at St. Mary’s Academy in The Dalles, Oregon, all Holy Names schools.

Following her graduation in 1954, Lucinda attended Marylhurst College. In February 1955, she entered the Holy Names Sisters novitiate, eventually receiving the religious name Sister M. Helen Patrice. In August 1955, she professed first vows, making final vows in 1961.

Over her ministry life, Lucinda became a valued elementary teacher and principal in SNJM Oregon parochial schools. Among the schools where she served as principal were Sacred Heart, Medford, and St. Mary’s Academy, The Dalles.

After a long career in elementary education, Lucinda applied her skills as an educator to another classroom, a welcoming space for refugees. As a longtime activist for peace and justice, she recognized the need of recent immigrants for language and math skills.

For over a decade she worked as an ESL instructor at Portland Community College (PCC). For her, this work was more than just a job. Some whom she taught became like family members. She accompanied them through their academic careers and the transition of children to adulthood with families and children of their own.

When she retired, she continued as an instructor on a volunteer basis. With the support of St. Ignatius Parish in Portland, which lent her space in the parish rectory, she met with refugees for language training and cultural readiness assistance. As more refugees arrive, she also recruited and trained volunteers from the parish to work with the newcomers.

Over the decades she has been an energetic member of the SNJM Justice Network, both globally and locally. For many years, she has also been a member of the Metropolitan Alliance for the Common Good (MACG), an organization dedicated to making the Portland Metro area a better place for all to live. Her particular interests with MACG have been issues of affordable health care for all and justice in the workplace.

Currently Lucinda resides in Lake Oswego, Oregon. A woman animated by Gospel values, the heritage of Catholic Social teaching, and the values of justice and social responsibility of her religious community, she continues to keep an attentive ear on justice issues.