In section: In Memory

Sister Yvonne Plourde

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“Come , you are precious in my eyes and I love you.” Is 43:4

November 14, 2009, Sister Yvonne Plourde,
in religion, M.-Jean-René
went home to God.

She was 88 years old and had been professed for 64 years.
Born in Montreal, she was the 5th of  8 children of
René Plourde and Augustine Blais.

‘‘Seeing my sister Lucille who was already an SNJM and who seemed to be very happy in her chosen vocation, gave me the desire to follow her” and thus Yvonne entered the postulate at the age of 21.  One of her sisters was a Franciscan Oblate of St. Joseph and one of her brothers was a diocesan priest.   During her teaching career which spanned 38 years, including16 years in Ormstown, she thoroughly enjoyed working with elementary school students.

“What joy I had teaching the new Religious Education Program! I lived my most wonderful years in Ormstown.  May 2, 1982 was a memorable date: A Conventum highlighted 50 years of SNJM presence in Ormstown and unfortunately also the departure of the last four Sisters.  It was a very moving celebration.  May 4th, The Sisters at Ste-Émélie Residence welcomed me with opened arms.”

During the 20 years she lived in this house, her poor health frequently lead to several, long hospital stays.  In spite of it all, Sister Yvonne rendered the following service: secretary, receptionist, help with the liturgy, copying texts into the computer, typing, and inscribing the chronicles.

The last 7 years, Sister Yvonne’s health declined and she was admitted to the Motherhouse infirmary and later moved to Maison Jésus-Marie where she very gratefully received the necessary care.  Throughout her final days, when she was less conscious, the Lord certainly heard her prayer: ‘‘As the end of my earthly pilgrimage draws near, I want to say: Thank you Lord for all that I was able to accomplish with the help of your grace.  Forgive all my weaknesses and failings.  I want to die saying: Jesus and Mary, my strength and my glory!’’

Other articles in the section In Memory
Sister Noëlla Gagnon
Sister Jeannine Cornellier
Sister Claire Giroux
Sister Gisèle Marcil
Sister Gisèle Lalande
Sister Mary Ellen Collins
Sister Denise Rivet
Sister Madeleine Philie
Sister Monique Robitaille
Sister Claire Montcalm