Margaret, Friend of Orphans

Margaret Haughery lost everyone she ever loved, but dedicated her life to the service of others. Unable either to read or write, this Irish immigrant nevertheless possessed an extraordinary business acumen that was only surpassed by her generosity. An orphan herself, Margaret Haughery donated everything she earned-- an estimated half-million dollars-- to the orphans and the poor. In nineteenth-century New Orleans, Margaret Haughery proved that one person can make a difference, that with faith, anything is possible. Strengthened by her Roman Catholic faith, she overcame tremendous personal tragedy to live an extremely humble, generous, and rewarding life of service to others.