Age 93
Sister Nilda Beatriz Peralta was a Sister of Mercy for 56 years. Born in Mayaquez, Puerto Rico, she entered Mercy life in St. Louis on September 8, 1965, and professed her perpetual vows on August 16, 1971. She received a B.A. in physical education from the University of Puerto Rico in 1952 and a certificate in secondary education in 1968. She received her master’s in secondary education from Saint Louis University in 1972.
Sister’s professional teaching began at Mercy High School in University City, Missouri, from 1968 to 1971. She then shared her teaching expertise in physical education and Spanish while serving in New Orleans, Louisiana; Hutchison, Kansas; Greenville, Mississippi; Little Rock, Arkansas; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Sister relocated from 1981 to 1988 to care for her dear mother in Puerto Rico. While there, she taught at Our Lady of Rosary School. Later, she served on the support staff at Mercy Health Center in Laredo, Texas, until 2008.
Sister Nilda then retired and moved to Catherine’s Residence in St. Louis. During her active and adventurous life, she was a loving member of the Sisters of Mercy, an avid traveler and sports fan, and a gifted seamstress and crafter in crocheting and quilting. She was a joyous woman of Mercy and brought music, dance and education to all those with whom she connected during her years in ministry.