SISTER JEANNE VERMETTE

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SISTER JEANNE VERMETTE (Soeur Marie-Alberic) After having struggled through much suffering during several months, Sister Jeanne was finally called to her eternal rest. Fully aware that the divine Master was beckoning her at last, Sister responded serenely and confidently on Sunday morning, March 25, 2001. Youngest of eight children, Jeanne, daughter of the late Malvina (Campeau) and Alberie Vermette, was born on July 12, 1914. She lived a most happy childhood in the midst of parents and siblings who took pleasure in cherishing "la ptite Jeanne" as they called her. She attended the small rural school, St. Jean-Baptiste North, for seven years then became a weekly boarder in the St. Jean-Baptiste Convent where she completed her High School under the direction of the Sisters of the Holy Names. Jeanne, always eager to broaden her knowledge, was very industrious and ambitious and she applied herself unfailingly to her studies throughout her 12 years of schooling. At home she enjoyed a very happy life where daily prayer was an important factor. Such an ambiance added to the beneficial role her religious educators played during her high school years, surely contributed to her decision to become a nun. Thus, immediately after graduating from Grade XII, just a few days after Jeanne turned 18, she entered the novitiate of the Sisters of the Holy Names in Montreal. Shortly after her first commitment as a professed religious, in 1932, Sister Marie-Alberic returned to Manitoba where she began her teacher training and experiences. Grades I and II children were among the first to benefit from Sisters skills and enthusiasm. She left nothing to chance in her efforts to teach her pupils the groundwork essential to successful further schooling. For some 20 years Sister Alberic taught students from Grades I to VIII in the rural schools directed by the Sisters of the Holy Names in St. Agathe, St. Pierre-Jolys and St. Jean-Baptiste. Then, for 11 consecutive years, Sister taught a Grade IX class at St. Josephs Academy in St. Boniface. Throughout her career Sister Alberic perfected herself by following many University and pedagogical courses. Always such a serious and dedicated student, she felt it was essential that she deepen her intellectual abilities. After Sister left teaching, she busied herself attending to the upkeep of the sacristy and contributed to various tasks in St. Jean Baptiste. It seems that during the last few years, because of illness, Sister lost her zest for living. The last few months have been very difficult for Sister Jeanne as she suffered greatly. Sister Jeanne was predeceased by her four brothers, Arthur, Pierre, Isidore and Jean; her sisters, Marie and Rose. She also leaves behind the members of her Order, in particular her loving niece, Sister Jeannine Vermette; her sister Helene Baril; her sisters-in-law Cecile (Pierre) and Ange-Emma (Jean) and numerous nephews and nieces. Vigil will be kept for Sister Jeanne at Residence Jesus-Marie, 321 Cathedrale Avenue, at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 27. The funeral Mass, presided by Mgr. Albert Frechette, will take place in the St. Boniface Cathedral at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 28. The first Reading will be delivered by Raymonde Vermette-Doyle and the intercessions will be read by Paulette Marion-Vermette and Patricia Beaudry-Vermette. Agnes Dubois will play the organ. The pallbearers, nieces and nephews of Sister Jeanne, are Louise Desmarais-Tkachyk, Cecile Vermette-Alarie, Emile, Fernand, Richard and Roger Vermette. DESJARDINS FUNERAL CHAPEL in care of arrangements, 233-4949; 1-888-233-4949.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 27, 2001