Obituary of Sister Marion Theresa Garneau

Sister Marion Theresa Garneau (Sister Mary Janet) peacefully went home to her God at Ruth Ross Residence, in Saint John, NB on December 5, 2020.

Born in Edmonton, AB on December 23, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Marion (Salzl) Garneau.  Sister Marion entered the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception in Saint John on September 8, 1955.

Sister Marion began her teaching ministry at St. Vincent’s High School in Saint John from 1959-1972.  From 1972 -1981, she answered the call to serve in the missions in Peru, South America.  After a sabbatical year in Rome, she was appointed the Formation Director for her community.

From 1985 to 1994, she served her community as Congregational Leader.  During this time, Seton Court, an affordable housing residence for women, was established at St. Vincent’s Convent on Cliff Street.  She was responsible for expanding the Sisters’ ministry in Northern Alberta, Northern British Columbia, Northwest Territories and the Yukon.

In 1994, she returned to Edmonton and became a Pastoral Associate at the Inner-City Pastoral Ministry and other programs at the Bissel Centre. This was a ministry dear to her heart and in reflecting on that ministry she wrote: “Church is also the people of God where they are----on the streets, in prisons, in the drop-ins and support agencies, in the many celebrations of life and death.  My life is enriched by the courage, faith, caring and the strong hope of those who begin each new day ‘on the streets’.”

She was involved in several programs with Corrections Service Canada at the Edmonton Institution for Women as well as the Elizabeth Fry Society and Kindred House.

In 2003, Marion was presented with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal and in 2011 was awarded the Salvos Prelorentzos Peace Award from Project Ploughshares for her decades of working for peace and social justice in Edmonton’s inner city.

Sister Marion was known for her sensitivity and compassion towards her many students.  Her deep faith in God, concern for social justice and her belief in the dignity and worth of every person were the values by which she lived her life.

She was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Marion; as well as her brothers, Robert, Gerald and Richard.

In memory of Sister Marion, a donation can be made to the Elizabeth Fry Society or a charity of your choice.

Following Covid-19 restrictions, a graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 10:00 AM in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Saint John, NB.  Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424).