SOEUR MARIE-BLANCHE MATHIEU

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SOEUR (SISTER) MARIE-BLANCHE MATHIEU (S.MARIE-ALMA) Fille de la Croix (Sister of the Cross) April 14, 1906 - February 10, 2006 On Friday, February 10, 2006, Soeur (Sister) Marie-Blanche Mathieu passed away peacefully at the age of 99 years and 10 months, at Foyer Valade, where she had been a resident since March 15, 2001. Sister was predeceased by her parents, Joseph Mathieu+ and Marie-Alma Rondeau+; her sister Antoinette+ and two brothers-in-law, Emile Fouquet+ and Darryl Morse+. Left to mourn her passing are one brother Charles (Anita Granger); four sisters, Flore, Marcelle, Soeur Alice, mdm and Marie-Jeanne (Henri Campagne); as well as nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and Deanna, a young woman who had a very special place in Sister's heart and who was present at her bedside at the moment of her death. Sister Marie-Blanche was born in Montcerf, QC and later moved with her family to Willow Bunch, SK. In 1924, Marie-Blanche began two years of formation to the Religious Life in La Puye, France and joined La Congregation des Filles de la Croix in 1926, at which time she returned to Canada to begin a life of dedication and service to God and to God's People. She lived her commitment as a Fille de la Croix during 79 years. Sister Marie-Blanche was gifted in many ways and she shared her gifts with so many. Her great sense of humour, her gift of music, her gifts of simplicity and humility, and her deep awareness of being connected in some mysterious way to all of God's creation, allowed her to build and nourish strong and lasting relationships. Among those whom Sister Marie-Blanche served with such simplicity, dedication and love, special mention must be made of the men, women and children living on White Bear Reserve, in Carlyle, SK. From September 1970 to September 1986, Sister lived among those she came to call her family . They, in turn, referred to her as the mother of the Reserve . She would often repeat to us how those sixteen years had been the best years of her life. During her lifetime and in her dealings with people, Soeur Marie-Blanche never seemed to be bothered much by such things as language barriers and ethnic, cultural and regional differences. For this quiet and unassuming woman spoke the language of the heart and her words echoed the poetry and wisdom of Earth. Those who had ears to hear would hear and would understand. This was perhaps her greatest gift to us all. Sister Marie-Blanche Mathieu would have celebrated her 100th birthday on April 14, 2006. Dear Sister, may you rest peacefully as you reap the fruits of your labour and may you continue to watch over all of us. Les Filles de la Croix, would like to express their gratitude to the staff at our Provincial House and at Foyer Valade for their loving and attentive care for our Sister. Their dedication has been very special and greatly appreciated. Prayers for Soeur (Sister) Marie-Blanche Mathieu will be held on Monday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m., at the Provincial House, 66 Moore Ave., Winnipeg. Mass of the Resurrection for Soeur (Sister) Marie-Blanche Mathieu will be celebrated at 66 Moore Ave., on Tuesday, February 14 at 1:30 p.m. Rev. Fr. Fernand Desjardins will be officiating. Interment will take place at St. Adolphe Cemetery located in St. Adolphe, MB. LECLAIRE BROTHERS in care of arrangements. 775-2220.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 13, 2006