SR. MAUREEN (MARGUERITE) MCALDUFF

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SR. MAUREEN (MARGUERITE) MCALDUFF (Sr. Maureen of the Sacred Heart) SNJM Sr. Maureen died peacefully on January 18, 2008 in the Palliative Care Unit of St. Boniface Hospital. Sr. Maureen was born in Edmonton, the eldest of four children. She was predeceased by her parents, Muriel and Richard McAlduff, by her sisters, Kathleen Thagard and Maureen Louise. She is survived by her brother John of West Vancouver, by several nieces and nephews, as well as by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. Sr. Maureen's primary and elementary education was in Edmonton. When the family moved to Winnipeg, Maureen enrolled at St. Mary's Academy where she completed her high school education. After pronouncing her vows as a Sister of the Holy Names, Sr. Maureen began her career as a teacher. She taught at Immaculate Conception, St. Mary's Cathedral, and Holy Cross Schools. However, she spent most of her formal teaching career at St. Mary's Academy and College, where she taught English, history, and religion. Sr. Maureen received/was awarded a B.A. from the University of Ottawa, where her thesis was on Joseph Dubuc, an early Manitoban. She gave up doctoral studies in theology to respond to a request to serve on the General Administration of the Congregation. There she did research on religious life and then sought ways to make that research life-giving for the sisters of the Congregation. One of these ways she discovered was a spirituality program, Personality and Human Relations (PRH), that had originated in France. Sr. Maureen was deeply moved by PRH, and with the encouragement of Father Andre Rochais, under whose genius this spiritual teaching was being developed, she chose to place her brilliant mind and creative teaching skills at the service of PRH. Over the next two decades Sr. Maureen translated each new PRH Session into English, and with true missionary zeal, traveled extensively throughout the English speaking world giving PRH sessions and training leaders. Deteriorating health brought her world travels to an end in 2004. In 2007 she was diagnosed with lung cancer and was admitted to the Palliative Care Unit at St. Boniface Hospital. She was amazingly lucid and appreciative of the smallest gesture of kindness right until the end. Just before midnight on January 18, her oft repeated desire to enter the Celestial Realms and encounter the God she had so ardently served was granted. Although never strong physically, Sr. Maureen served God's people well-always showing care and compassion. Her sense of humour, her keen intellect, her constant interest in the life of the Church and world events, her ability as a good listener have enriched our lives and the lives of so many persons for over sixty years. Well done, good and faithful servant. The Sisters of the Holy Names wish to express profound gratitude for the loving care given Sr. Maureen by the Supportive Housing staff at Residence Despins and the Palliative Care Staff at St. Boniface Hospital. Prayers for Sr. Maureen will be held at Residence Despins (151 Despins) Monday, January 21, at 7:00 p.m., and her funeral at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 22, also at Residence Despins. The Desjardins Funeral Chapel In care of arrangements 233-4949; Toll Free 1-888-233-4949

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 21, 2008