Sister Beata Gagnon

The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada, London Neighbourhood, announce the death of our dear Sister Beata Gagnon at the Residence of the Sisters of St. Joseph at 485 Windermere Road in London. Sister died on Friday, March 2, 2018 surrounded by her religious Sisters, and Staff members. Sister Beata, (Jeanne d'Arc Celine) was born in McGregor, Ontario on April 28, 1933, the second of 12 siblings, and joined the Community of the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1953. She is remembered with affection by all her CSJ Sisters as well as her siblings, Paul (Laura), Cezaire (Cecilia), Christine Soulliere, Richard (Judy), Angela Savard (Magella), Pauline Paquette (James), Michael, James (Janet), Mary Joan Seguin, (Léon) and Mary Anne Meloche (Keith) and sister-in-law, Yvonne. Predeceased by her mother, Clarice (Meloche), father, Paul Gagnon Sr., and her brother, Joseph, sisters-in-law, Donna, and Mary Ann, and brother- in- law Adrian Seguin. Sister Beata gave her life in simple, loving service to others. A farm girl from her youth, she never lost her feisty spirit and hardworking ethic. In her early ministry, she cared for children at Fontbonne Hall in London and at St. Joseph's Manor in Windsor, and then served as homemaker at convents in London and Belle River. She provided support care at St. Peter's seminary, and later served as a driver for the community in London. In 1971 she trained as an R.N.A. and loved caring for the sick in St. Joseph's Hospital, Chatham, and in palliative Care at St. Joseph's Hospital, London, as well as at the Infirmary at Mount St. Joseph. In her later years, she worked as parish helper in McGregor, and assisted with school visits in Blenheim. She retired to the residence in London in 2012. Sister Beata was a very generous and caring woman, eager to meet and share with others whenever possible. Totally committed to her faith, she was vocal in her expression of what she believed in, and in her fidelity to the Church's teachings, providing encouragement to others who were struggling. She loved her religious dress, and wore it with pride to her last weeks. Her friendly and welcoming manner endeared her to many, including Staff and clients in St. Joseph's hospice, members of the Intergenerational choir, and folks she would meet on the street, engage in conversation, and invite in for a tour or a cup of tea. Sister Beata loved to dance, and would joyfully move to the music whenever the opportunity presented itself. Her warmth and hospitality will be missed by all who knew her. All services will be held at the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence, 485 Windermere Road, London. Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 6, 2018, 2:30 – 4:00 pm and 7:00-8:00 with a prayer service at 6:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, March 7, at 11:00 am, preceded by visitation from 9:30 until 10:45, with Reverend Richard Charrette presiding. Interment St. Peter's Cemetery, London, to follow. Online condolences & Guest Book at www.oneilfuneralhome.ca