SISTER MARIA DUPONT

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SISTER MARIA DUPONT Fille de la Croix (Soeur Marie du Rosaire) September 14, 1935 - September 22, 1999 On Wednesday, September 22, 1999, Sister Maria Dupont passed away at St. Boniface General Hospital. Sister had just celebrated her 64th birthday and was in the 45th year of her religious life. Sister Maria leaves to mourn her passing her sister Catherine, four brothers, Isidore, Andre, Paul (Annette), and Jean; her sister-in-law Jeanne; nine nieces and nephews and 15 grand nieces and nephews. Les filles de la Croix, the Religious Congregation of which she had been a member for 44 years, also mourn her premature departure. She was predeceased by her father Albert, her mother Febronie; two brothers, Pierre and Maurice and two sisters, Evangeline and Reverende Soeur Marguerite Dupont, s.g.m. Sister Maria was a Registered Nurse, specialized in tropical medicine, which prepared her well for her five years of service in Zaire and the Ivory Coast. She also practiced nursing at St. Claude Municipal Hospital (six years), Esterhazy, SK (three years) and St. Boniface General Hospital (10 years, part-time). From 1993 until her death, Sister was a very active volunteer for Hospice & Palliative Care Manitoba, where her gifts as a compassionate listener, a peace-filled and inspiring companion and a dedicated and ardent fund-raiser impressed and edified everyone she came in contact with. From September, 1993 to June, 1997, Sister completed a three-year formation program with MessAJE, which is dedicated to helping adults become better acquainted with the Word of God through the Holy Scriptures. In 1995 Sister jointed the team of animators with whom she was involved in providing formation sessions for interested adults. She remained involved with MessAJE until her death. Sister Maria was also editor-in-chief of Reflets Canadiens, a periodical published for and by Les Filles de la Croix. In March, 1999, Sister Maria was asked by her religious superiors to assume the position of Provincial Councillor for Les Filles de la Croix of the Canadian Province, a position she accepted in a spirit of faith and service. In addition to all her other commitments, Sister found the time to render multiple services to her family and religious community. A massive heart attack snatched Sister Maria from our lives, far too prematurely. It is hard to let go of someone who touched all of our lives in so many ways. For all who knew her, Sister Maria was a beloved sister, a precious friend, a peace-filled, friendly, attentive and co-operative neighbour, co-worker and associate. Her basic attitude seemed to be: ask not what others can do for you; ask what you can do for others. We will miss her beaming smile, her calm and serene approach to life, her sense of humour, her love for life and for every living being. The Dupont family and Les Filles de la Croix want to express their heart-felt gratitude to the doctors, nursing staff and pastoral care staff at MICU, St. Boniface General Hospital. We also wish to thank all those who visited Sister Maria during her short stay at the hospital. Prayers for Sister Maria Dupont will be held on Sunday, September 26, at 7:30 p.m. at Maison Ste-Croix, 66 Moore Ave. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Monday, September 27, at 10:30 a.m., at Paroisse Saint-Eugene, 1007 chemin Sainte Marie, in St. Vital. His Grace Bishop Noel Delaquis will preside. Mass will be preceded by viewing at 10:00 a.m. Immediately following mass, lunch will be served in the parish hall. Interment will follow at St-Adolphe Cemetery in St. Adolphe, MB. The Desjardins Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements; 233-4949 or toll free 1-888-233-4949.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 25, 1999