Obituary of Sister Darlene Joyce Madore, FCJ

June 4, 1936 – Edmonton, Alberta

October 11, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Sister Darlene was born in Edmonton to Louis and Alma (Ostercamp) Madore and after some time, became a big sister to Dolores (Mitzi). She attended Sacred Heart School in NE Edmonton and St. Mary’s High School. The Sisters of St. Joseph were her much-loved teachers at Sacred Heart and in high school she met the Sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus. Her love for English literature blossomed in Gr. XI and developed in her university years. Sr. Darlene joined the FCJ Sisters at Sacred Heart Convent Calgary, on February 2, 1954. When she became a novice, she was given the name, Sister Marion, but after Vatican II she returned to her baptismal name. Sister Darlene attended the University of Toronto, St. Michael’s College, in 1960 where she completed her B.A. In 1963 she received an Education Certificate from Sedgley Park College, Manchester, England. She achieved an M.A. in Philosophy at U of T in 1965, an M.A. in Religious Studies at Providence College, Rhode Island in 1980, and an M.A. in Biblical Studies in 1987 also from Providence College. From 1963 to 1964 Sr. Darlene taught at St. Mary’s Girls’ High School in Calgary. Sr. Darlene taught at St. Anne’s School, Calgary, while serving as interim principal there. Having been missioned to Sedgley Park College in 1966, she taught Scripture, Theology, and Philosophy there until December 1968. After some sabbatical time in Lethbridge, she moved to Providence, R.I. in 1970 where she taught Religion and English at St. Patrick’s High School. The tertianship program for FCJs from different countries was held in Bristol R.I. from 1977 to 1980. During those years Sr. Darlene taught Scripture and helped with other aspects of the program. In 1980 Darlene was assigned to be a staff member of the newly formed FCJ Christian Life Centre in Calgary. From there she taught Scripture to Church groups and members of the T.E.A.M. program (Together Enabling Adults in Ministry) as well as candidates and their wives in the Diocesan Diaconate Program. Another service that Sr. Darlene offered was that of spiritual direction.

As well as having exceptional academic ability, she was musically talented. She could play by ear as well as by reading music. Accompanying congregational singing on the organ or sing-alongs on the piano were gifts that she generously shared. Sister Darlene was outstandingly gracious, kind and loving to all those she encountered.

Appreciating an inner call to embrace Benedictine spirituality, Sr. Darlene spent some of 2000 and 2001 with the Benedictine Sisters of Winnipeg. She was grateful to all her superiors who encouraged her to combine FCJ and Benedictine spirituality in her lived experience.

A major health challenge for Sr. Darlene was her eyesight. She could date the beginning of the problem to September 17, 1967, when she was hit in the left eye by a ball while playing tennis in Sedgley. She had always enjoyed running and playing baseball as a child so taking on tennis in her adult life was not surprising. People in the Mission District of Calgary had known her as a jogger.

Increasing health problems and failing memory necessitated more care for Sr. Darlene. She learned on April 6, 2021, that there would be a room for her in Providence Care if she could be there the following day. Always open to what God was asking, she was packed and ready to leave the next morning. The love and kindness she experienced from the staff of the Providence Care Centre was something she praised from her first day. Her Sisters FCJ and the nurses, Judith Mbatifuh and Ramona Smith, visited regularly and were always assured that Darlene loved them. She died very peacefully on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. May she enjoy the fullness of life now with our loving God.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at Sacred Heart Convent (219 – 19 Avenue S.W.) on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Convent (219 – 19 Avenue S.W.) on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Reception to follow in the FCJ Retreat & Conference Centre.  

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Sister Darlene’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Sister Darlene’s family here.

In living memory of Sister Darlene Madore, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

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