In section: In Memory

Sister Marguerite Courchesne

“Blessed are those servants whom the Master finds alert when He comes.” Luke 12, 37.

February 21, 2013, Sister Marguerite Courchesne,
in religion Marie-Ida-de-Jésus
went home to God.

She was 90 years old and had been professed for 69 years.
Born in Saint Boniface, Manitoba,
she was the only daughter of Joseph Courchaine (sic) and Ida Hébert.

Marguerite studied at École Stadacona, in Montreal East, with the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. “My parents were older and rather strict; from them I learned discipline which always helped throughout my life. But, I was bored so I would go to see the Sisters at the convent of the Nativity, the only outing allowed. I saw that they were happy, mischievous, and so full of life that I always wanted to be an S.N.J.M.”

When she was 19, Marguerite entered the novitiate. Sister Ida-de-Jésus found this time of formation for religious life very difficult. Despite everything she made her vows and began her 35 year teaching career, during which there were several years of university studies to perfect her professional formation.

“I liked teaching, I often changed missions – at least 20 times – I taught all grade levels, and I even enjoyed the changes because this benefitted us. I was a very lucky woman, and spoiled: the community allowed me to develop several talents that I was ignoring and I was very grateful to them. When I retired, I knew how to spend my time.”

Upon her retirement and wanting to remain active, Sister Marguerite became a local animator at Curé-Lequin residence, for a few years.
 
“She used her talents as editor of reports or doing the minutes for meetings at the service of the community - at the center for Faith Education, on the board of management of Collège Durocher Saint-Lambert and at the provincial council. So many hours spent listening, taking notes, and editing with meticulousness.”

She was a highly discrete person who also served as librarian at Collège Durocher and at Résidence Saint-André, in Longueuil. 

During this time she was suffering from macular degeneration so when the time came that age and health no longer allowed her to provide these services, she devoted herself to the ministry of prayer.

Sister Marguerite had a special love for the Virgin Mary. She was also a great lover of nature, a source of renewal for her prayerful spirit.

“How beautiful are your works, O Lord!”

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