Sr. Gertrude Gareau
1931 ~ 2022

Sister Gertrude Gareau (Marie-Pascale) of the Sisters of the Presentation, passed away on August 14th, 2022, at the age of 90 years, at Victoria Hospital, in Prince Albert, SK.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Chapel of the Provincial House of the Sisters of Presentation, 1405 Bishop Pascal Place, in Prince Albert, SK, at 10:00 am on Thursday, August 18, 2022. Family and friends unable to attend the service may view it online at https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/58808 .

Sister Gertrude was born and raised in St. Isidore de Bellevue. In 1955 she joined the Sisters of Presentation of Mary. Following her commitment in 1958 she was stationed at the Academy in Prince Albert, SK and then taught in Duck Lake, SK. After professional studies in 1961 she began her teaching career at Vawn then moved to Duck Lake, Prince Albert Academy and Deben, all in Saskatchewan. From 1973 to 1976 she was transferred to St. Lazare, MB and then to Birtle. After obtaining her BA in Religious Sciences in1980, Sister Gertrude taught in Spiritwood Public School for nine years. In 1990 her teaching career brought her to Debden until the spring of 1995.

She truly enjoyed working in the field of education, she was thoroughly convinced of its importance. For many years Sister Gertrude instilled in her students a sense of self-worth, a love of beauty and pride in work well done. All those who met her remembered her sense of humour, her quick witty responses. Sister Gertrude will always be remembered as a joyful and fully dedicated educator of the faith.

After a year of spiritual renewal, Sister Gertrude was ready to continue doing ministry with the youth. She was actively involved in movements such as SEARCH, TECH, YOUTH GROUPS and TRACE. She also led Liturgical sessions.

Sister Gertrude loved nature and in particular, gardening. Being an avid gardener, this is where Sister Gertrude found her peace and enjoyment during her retirement years. She was always delighted to share the produce with family and friends.

In January 2020, as her health was failing and she needed more care she moved to our Health Care Home on 3rd Avenue East in Prince Albert until God called her home for her eternal reward on August 14th, 2022.

She will be fondly remembered for her untiring enthusiasm, for her sensitive love of beauty and for being a warm fun-loving person. Whatever she presented to her students, to her religious community or to the general public was marked with the love of God, of our Mother Mary, of our Foundress, Saint Marie Rivier and the joy of life to be celebrated fully.

This quote summarizes Sr. Gertrude’s love of life: “When you touch minds, people are willing to walk a dozen miles for you; and when you touch hearts, people are willing to walk a thousand miles for you; but when you touch souls, people are willing to walk a million miles for you.” (Matshona Dhliwayo)

Sr. Gertrude, may you now rest in God’s loving arms.

Sister Gertrude leaves to mourn, members of her Religious Community, Sisters of the Presentation of Mary; one sister, Olive Michaud; many nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and extended family members. She was predeceased by her parents, Camille and Eugenie (Rock) Gareau; sisters, Marie, Rhéa, Antoinette, Alexandrine, Edna, Juliette, Olivine, Jeannette; brothers, Médéric, Hubert, Charles, Isidore, André. Online condolences may be left at https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/riverpark/obituaries/sr-gertrude-gareau/90176 . Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of River Park Funeral Home, (306) 764-2727, Paula Hanson, Funeral Director.

• Date : 2022-08-14
• Location : Prince Albert, SK