Sr. Cécile Durand

Sister Cécile Eva Durand s.d.s.

On Tuesday, April 1, 2014, at the Foyer Notre-Dame, of Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, MB, faded away peacefully, Sister Cécile Eva Durand, shortly after her one hundred and second birthday (102).

Sister Cécile was born on February 20, 1912, the youngest child of a family of nine (9) children - 4 boys and 5 girls. Her parents, Pierre Durand and Marie-Louise Brûlé had emigrated from the province of Québec to settle in Letellier, province of Manitoba. Until her passing away, Cécile was the only living member of the entire family.

Cécile grew up as a "busy body" little girl, who missed the company of her older brothers and sisters, three of whom had died at a very young age. She also missed very much her mother who was often away helping out neighbours, expectant mothers or new-born babies. Entrusted therefore, for some time, to Alma, her older sister who had become a nun and lived in St Léon, added to Cécile’s sense of "aloneness in a strange world".

However, Cécile managed to develop resilience, autonomy and lasting competence and adroitness along many lines: cooking, interior decoration, growing flowers, music and song, handicrafts, "hostessing" to visitors... and ... especially almost for her life-time, teaching beginners and lower-grades pupils - various and many!

Everyone remembers her strict discipline, her "fudgy caramels", her gourmet snacks and lunches, and... the very active person that she was ...

On September 29, 1930, Cécile aged eighteen years (18), joined the Sisters of the Saviour, known at that time as "Les Chanoinesses des Cinq-Plaies" - much to the joy of "mother-sister" Alma.

On August 27, 2013, she celebrated eighty (80) years of professed religious vows... a feat ... and a generous gift of God worthy of a "gold cup"!

Sister Cécile retired from teaching in June of 1977. She retired from lesser occupations - assigned or voluntary - in the year 2002, at which time she became a resident at the Foyer Notre-Dame ... keeping busy yet, and ... keeping busy as well, the caregivers and personnel of the Foyer.

Nevertheless, her time to surrender into the loving arms of Jesus came as a reality indeed new to her - but she did surrender gracefully and at peace! This day was April 1 last.

Funeral service for Cécile is scheduled for Monday, April 7, beginning at one thirty (1:30 p.m.) in the Roman Catholic Church in Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, MB. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. Father Armand Le Gal o.m.i. will be officiating.

The Sisters of the Saviour would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Maria Lesage and Alvin Adam of the Funeral Home, for their compassionate and professional service.

Also worthy of our deep gratitude are the wonderful care givers and other personnel whose patience, respect and love touched the life of Sister Cécile throughout the many years of her stay at the Notre-Dame Foyer.

A very special thank you to Father Le Gal who generously came out of his way to bring a special blessing and comforting words to Cécile the evening of her last moments. Thank you, also, Father, for the prayerful funeral service.

And, our sincere thanks to each and everyone, for your particular contribution and participation, in whatever office, service or act of kindness that will help keep alive our farewell to our dear Sister Cécile Eva Durand.

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements. Phone 248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326. www.afh.ca