Obituary of Sister Louise MCIVOR

November 17, 1936 – Lethbridge, Alberta July 8, 2016 – Calgary, Alberta Sister Louise, of Calgary, Alberta, died peacefully at the Agape Hospice on Friday, July 8, 2016 at the age of 79 years, and fifty-five years as a Sister of Charity of St. Louis. Louise was born in Lethbridge, the eldest of seven children. She was raised on a farm in Airdrie, AB, and completed her education at the Crossfield High School. She received her teacher’s certification from the University of Calgary, and began her teaching career in 1955 in Pincher Creek and in Calgary. In 1958 she joined the Sisters of Charity of St. Louis in Medicine Hat. Following her profession of vows, she taught in Wilcox, SK and Medicine Hat where she was principal. Following her teaching career and some further studies, Louise joined the Diocesan religious education team where she trained parents, teachers, pastors and children for the renewed catechetical programs in the rural parishes of Southern Alberta. She was also the religious education consultant for Medicine Hat Catholic schools. Over a span of nineteen years, Sister Louise worked in Parish Ministry in Calgary, Claybank/Avonlea, SK and Fort St. James, BC. At various times over the years, she was also involved with summer youth camps. Sister Louise also served in various leadership roles and the formation program within the SCSL community. For Louise, relationships were always important, which she lived and encouraged in her communities, and ministry environments. “As I look back on my varied ministries, I can see that the fulfillment came in the relationships that I developed with wonderful people and in discovering my own creativity as it was called forth by the ministry” Her connections and relationship to her family were very important and valued. Louise always found reasons to celebrate, while instigating and enjoying many family gatherings. “I have often thought that the best gift our parents gave us was each other” Sister Louise will be lovingly remembered by her SCSL Sisters; her family, Elaine (Mel) Dick, Marilynn Dunne and Dave Strong, Catherine (Ernie) Schafer, Nora McIvor, Patricia (Bill) Jeffray; sister-in-law, Valerie McIvor; as well as many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews; and her friends and co-ministers. She was predeceased by her parents Bertha and Alphonse McIvor; brother, Jack McIvor. We are grateful for the compassionate and loving care given to Louise by the staff and volunteers of Agape Hospice during her final journey to God. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North) on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (640 – 19th Avenue N.W.) on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Society of St. Vincent De Paul at https://ssvpcalgary.org/support-st-vincent-de-paul/ In living memory of Sister Louise, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, Telephone: 403-276-2296.