The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada, London Neighbourhood, announce the death of our dear Sister Bernadette Boyde at the Residence of the Sisters of St. Joseph at 485 Windermere Road in London. Sister died on March 13, 2018. She was accompanied on the last part of her journey by the Sisters, along with her beloved sister, Mar-Jo, and nieces, Bernadette and Erin Ann.
Sister Bernadette, formerly Sister John Julia, was born in Windsor, Ontario, on April 27, 1932, and joined the Community of the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1951.
She is remembered with affection by all her CSJ Sisters, her sister, Mar-Jo Conway, sister-in-law Louise Boyde, dear friend and helper, Sister Mary Raphael Giedemann, nieces Bernadette (Chuck) Cusmano, and Erin Ann (Peter) Di Sante, nephews Robert (Mary) Conway, and Patrick (Donna) Conway, and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews. Predeceased by her mother, Julia (Gleeson), father John R. Boyde, brother Jack Boyde, and brother-in-law, Bernard Conway.
Sister Bernadette was a gifted educator, serving children as a teacher and beloved Principal in London, Kingsville, Ingersoll and Windsor, for 37 years. After her retirement from teaching in 1990, she served in Congregational leadership for 8 years, also representing the Congregation on hospital boards in London and Sarnia, as a Director of St. Joseph's Health Care Society, as a board member for Family Services London, and on various committees. She later served as local leader and administrator at Mount St. Joseph until her retirement to the Sisters' Residence.
Bernadette's clarity of thought and organizational ability made her an exemplary administrator. Her strong, quiet presence created community and gave a sense of support to others. Always self-effacing, she accomplished much with no fanfare.
She will be missed by her Sisters in community, her beloved family and the many people whose lives she touched.
All services will be held at the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence, 485 Windermere Road. Visitation will be on Thursday, March 15, 2018 from 2:30 - 4:00 pm and 7:00 – 8:00 pm, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. and on Friday March 16, 2018 from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. after which a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. R. Charrette presiding. Followed by interment in St. Peter's Cemetery, London. Online condolences & Guest Book at www.oneilfuneralhome.ca