SISTER MARY THILLE

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SISTER MARY THILLE Suddenly on July 31, 2003, Sister Mary Thille returned to the Father at the Grey Nuns Residence in Saskatoon, SK, at the age of 78. She had been visiting her sister, Genevieve, p.m., and attending family reunions. Born on August 23, 1924, in Rosthern, SK, to Rose-Alma Doucette and Nicholas James Thille, Mary was the fifth in a family of eight children. Her loving parents provided through deep faith a constant inspiration to their children - four daughters consecrated themselves to God in religious life: two Grey Nuns and two Presentation of Mary. She joined the Grey Nuns in St. Albert, AB, on August 5, 1942, and made her first vows on February 15, 1945. Five years later, she committed herself definitely to God by perpetual vows at the Mother House in Montreal. After her profession, Sister Thille was missioned to St. Pauls Hospital, Saskatoon, to pursue a nursing course. She received her nursing diploma in 1948, a Bachelors degree in nursing in 1951 from Marguerites Youville Institute in Montreal and a Master of Science degree in Nursing Education from St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO, in 1957. Throughout her apostolic life, Sister Mary worked diligently to do Gods will in ministries such as general duty nursing, nursing supervisor, assistant director and director of the SBGH School of Nursing, assistant administrator of St. Boniface Home. These ministries were assumed in five of Canadas provinces and in the congregations provinces of St. Albert, St. Boniface and Ville Marie. She likewise served for several years on the Provincial Council of the St. Boniface Province in alternating positions of assistant provincial, secretary, treasurer and councillor. Her religious sisters and colleagues knew her as an efficient and professional secretary, citing personal qualities such as: a discerning mind, clarity in written expression, organizational and administrative skills and generosity in service. Sister Mary Thille celebrated her golden jubilee of religious life in May 1995. During her daily encounters with Jesus, she sought with the help of the Spirit to be an instrument of love, peace and unity with all those she encountered. She took time to listen to others, especially shut-ins and the sick, encouraging and visiting them as well as rendering service to Jesus through them. Sister Mary Thille leaves to mourn her sister Sister Genevieve, p.m.; brother-in-law Henry Roesch; as well as sister-in-law Martha Thille. She was predeceased by her parents James Nicholas Thille and Rose-Alma Doucette; four sisters, Leona, Florence, Lydia Grace, s.g.m., and Isabelle-Clemence, p.m.; and two brothers, Albert and Leonard. A liturgy of the Word will be held Monday, August 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Grey Nuns Provincial House. The funeral will be presided by Father Leo Couture, Tuesday, August 5 at 10:00 a.m. Desjardins Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements, 233-4949 or toll free 1-888-233-4949.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 02, 2003