Sister Eleanor Legault RNDM died on February 1, 2020, surrounded by the love of her Sisters, who sat vigil with her for many days at Actionmarguerite-Taché Personal Care Home in Winnipeg, and were with her as she breathed her last. Eleanor was 94 years of age.

Novitiate and Teaching Career

Born in Saskatchewan, Eleanor entered the RNDM novitiate in Regina.  After her novitiate, she began teaching, and taught in various elementary and secondary schools in Saskatchewan and Manitoba where she often served as principal as well. Over the course of her teaching years, Eleanor studied at diverse universities, (Saskatoon SK, Winnipeg MB, Windsor ON, and Laval, Quebec – and mostly in summers). She earned Bachelor’s degrees in Arts and Education, as well as receiving various certifications to serve as principal, teach theology, and teach French. Eleanor was a dedicated teacher who loved her students into learning.

Works of Mercy

After retiring from many years of classroom teaching, Eleanor turned her attentions to other works of mercy: visiting the sick, the bereaved, those who were shut-in. Daily mass was very much a part of her life, and in this time of “retirement”, she could give more time to her interior life. The Bible was her constant companion, and various prayer groups sustained her spirituality.

Teaching English at White Flower School

One of her great joys of this period of her life was the years she taught English at White Flower School to immigrants, and refugees, many of whom were also senior citizens. She enjoyed this ministry very much, and these students were her pride and joy. Along with her teaching skills Eleanor also brought qualities of respect, patience and good humour to this important work of helping newcomers learn another language, and practice communicating with others in their new home.

Church Ministries

Eleanor was active in church ministries of various kinds throughout her life – whether as sacristan, lector, communion minister. She was also artistic, and used her creative gifts to advantage as part of these ministries. Eleanor additionally loved all kinds of crafts, and enjoyed making a variety of artifacts – some to be worn, some to be admired. She was accomplished at tatting, and made over 25 stoles for priests in Canada, the U.S.A., Peru and Brazil. For enjoyment, Eleanor studied Italian and was enthralled with learning Spanish.

Love of God and People

According to her own account, the most important aspect of Eleanor’s life was her love of God and the people she taught. God was her priority. God’s values and standards, as she perceived them, inspired her to be the best person she could be.

Solace and Strength from the Good Shepherd

Having lived the challenges of a difficult childhood Eleanor found solace and strength in a very real and often tender relationship with the Good Shepherd, with whom (she wrote in her journal) she “would walk hand-in-hand”. She wrote further of this walk:

As if on a journey—he knows me by name. With the Good Shepherd, I felt valued, honoured. … Somehow goodness and love did follow me all the days of my life and I know that ultimately I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

The Window to the Soul

There is a saying that, “the eyes are the window to the soul”. Eleanor had eyes that could twinkle, and an impish smile that could peek out from behind a sometimes stern demeanor. In those moments when her eyes lit up, and Eleanor showed us something of her soul, the love within her shone out to the world – a love that drew her out, and drew us in.

We too know that Eleanor now dwells in the house of the Lord forever, walking confidently with the Good Shepherd, smiling gloriously, and with a twinkle in her eye.