On Monday, February 3, 2025, the great, generous heart of Cécile Marie Campeau stopped beating, and she surrendered her spirit back to Creator. She was 97 years of age and had been a devoted member of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions (RNDM) for 75 years.

Early Life and Formation

Born in Ponteix, a small French-Canadian village in southwest Saskatchewan, Cecile completed elementary school in-town, and then decided with her characteristic determination and courage, that she would go to Sacred Heart Academy in Regina for her grades eleven and twelve. And so she did. After graduation, with the same determination and courage, Cecile went to the novitiate of the Sisters of our Lady of the Missions (RNDM), and on July 26th, 1950, she made first vows in the Congregation.

Teaching Ministry

Cecile began her RNDM life-in-ministry as a teacher, serving in several French-Canadian communities across Manitoba, including Elie, Letellier, Ste. Rose, and St. Eustache. She also taught in St. Blaise, Quebec. Like many other teachers, Cecile’s summer months were spent taking ‘summer courses’ offered at the University of Manitoba or at College St. Boniface. Cecile received a B.A. degree from College St. Boniface. Cecile truly loved teaching. She saw herself teaching for years to come.

The Challenge of Leadership

However, in 1968, Cecile was named Leader of the RNDM communities in Canada and Peru. She left teaching to serve the community just at the time when RNDMs were entering a colossal transition brought about by Vatican Council II. Not all the Sisters were ready for change at the same pace. The challenge for leadership was great and the multiple demands of the time, took a toll on Cecile. She often felt squeezed between the demands of “Hastings”, the Vatican, the call to “slow down” from half the Province, and the restless urgings to “go faster” from the other half. Cecile’s openness, wisdom, and courage were instrumental in guiding the sisters through these changes with grace and harmony. For all her efforts, Cecile was appreciated especially by the younger Sisters and those who were open to the implementation of Vatican Council II.

Nursing Ministry

When Cecile’s term of office as Leader was ended, she opted not to return to teaching because of a hearing problem. She went to train in nursing. The years that followed Cecile worked in a hospital, a nursing home, and took care of the elderly Sisters in the RNDM infirmary in Brandon.

Parish Ministry

By 1985, recognizing an inner call to parish ministry, Cecile served in the Parishes of Balgonie and Esterhazy/Stockholm. Wishing to prepare better for this work, Cecile went to the Institute of Spirituality and Worship in Berkeley, California. When she returned to Regina she accepted the position of Administrator of Paroisse Saint-Jean Baptiste, Regina’s French parish. Her six years in this role were deeply rewarding—not only for her but also for those who worked alongside her and the parishioners she served with dedication and love.

Retirement at Cathedral Courts

When it came time to retire, Cecile chose Cathedral Courts, the old Sacred Heart Academy, where she had her first connection with RNDMs. There she enjoyed the company of the other residents and the visits of many Sisters and friends. Three years ago Cecile became a resident of Santa Maria Senior Citizens Home. Cecile was open to life and to people. Even when her memory was failing, she welcomed visitors with enthusiasm, and visitors left her company smiling.

Legacy and Later Years

Cecile’s life was one of faith, service, and devotion. She touched countless lives through her work in education, leadership, healthcare, and pastoral ministry. Her legacy of kindness, wisdom, and commitment to her faith will continue to inspire all who knew her. We already miss her smile and her contagious sense of humour.

Funeral Service for Cecile was held on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Paroisse St. Jean Baptist, in Regina, SK. The liturgy was livestreamed, and you can view it on YouTube below.

Cecile’s cremated remains will be buried in Regina, at the end of our Annual Assembly in June.

May Cécile Marie Campeau RNDM rest in peace, love, and joy.