Margaret Occhiena was born on 1^st April 1788 in Capriglio, Italy. Margaret didn't get the opportunity to study, instead working with her family at their farm. But she loved prayer, and this enriched her with wisdom.

In 1812, she married Francesco Bosco, who was a widow as his first wife had died after giving birth to their daughter. Francesco had a son called Anthony, and in 1813, Joseph was born and in 1815, John. They moved to the Becchi in Castelnuovo d'Asti, but shortly after they moved, in 1817, Francesco died of Pneumonia. This left her running the family alone, and looking after Francesco's ill mother, although Anthony did serve as the bread winner for the family.

Margaret was able to manage all of that while keeping a very strong faith and was able to be a great educator to all 3 of the children. When John had his dream at 9, she understood it in the way of faith. John was very interested in studying, so when hearing about the dream, she convinced Anthony that John must leave the home to continue his studies.

Margaret accompanied John through his studies, all the way through to priesthood. On the day of his ordination, Margaret spoke to John, and the words she said, John held dearly in his heart.]

In 1846, John became seriously ill, and Margaret moved to Turin to care for him. John asked her to stay to help with the work for the poor and abandoned boys that were entering the city.

Margaret would work in the oratory for the next 10 years, serving all the boys that were there. She became known affectionately as "Mamma Margaret". She was the very first Salesian Cooperator. She is known to have started the Salesian Goodnight, a short reflection that she would give the young boys before they went to sleep. And her way of teaching and living is what inspired the Preventive System.

In 1856, Margaret contracted Pneumonia, and died in Turin on 25^th November at 68.

Margaret was proclaimed Venerable by Pope Benedict XVI on 23^rd October 2006.

The Salesians celebrate her feast on 25th November.