Sister Andréa Poirier

“Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you and you are mine.”  Is 43:1

March 15, 2009, Sister Andréa Poirier,
her religious name, Sister M.-Thérèse-Alma,
went home to God at the age of  93.
She had been professed for 60 years.
Born in Montreal, in the Parish of the Immaculée-Conception,
she and her twin were the 5th and 6th of 10 living children
of Edgar Poirier and Alma Bélanger. 
They also had 12 children who died prematurely.

Before entering the community, Sister Andréa worked at the “Montréal Matin” newspaper for four years to financially help out her family.  She enjoyed music and family concerts.

From the age of twelve, she had felt the call to enter religious life. Influenced by her father who was a teacher and feeling drawn to that profession, she entered the Novitiate at the age of 21.  Throughout a span of 34 years, Sister Andréa taught grades one to three, mainly in our boarding schools in Montreal and Longueuil.

During a period of 15 years, along with other community commitments, she taught catechism part time.  She sums up this time of her life: “I was pleased to teach these young people who responded with such love and appreciation.”

Sister Andréa frequently moved residences, and had difficulty adapting to new situations.  She always missed what she left behind.

Retired since 2000, she continued to be of service to the community.  Sister Andréa loved to pray. She also loved the songs, the music, reading, playing scrabble and researching genealogies.  During the difficult times, she remembered that her father had often said: “You have chosen the better part, this will never be taken away.”

Her faith, at times dry, helped her live through difficulties and poor health.

The Lord came to get Sister Andréa during her diamond jubilee year.