Sister Flora Léa Beaudin (Sr. M. Jeanne d’Arc) RNDM, died peacefully at Action Marguerite-Taché Personal Care Home in Winnipeg on January 30, 2018 – ten days after marking her 101^st birthday.

Born during the First World War, in San Clara MB, Léa grew up in St. Eustache MB, and lived there until she went to the RNDM novitiate during the Second World War.  The Canadian Novitiate had been moved from Ste. Rose to St Eustache in 1922, but by the time Léa entered, it had been moved again to Sacred Heart College in Regina.  Léa thus moved from a primarily French environment to a largely English-speaking one.  After first vows, Léa was assigned to a French mission at Letellier, MB.  Most of her subsequent religious life was lived in Manitoba and Quebec, where she served in a variety of capacities in school and community settings.

Léa was a knowledgeable and meticulous seamstress.  She crafted clothing for herself, and helped others with their sewing projects.  She was also, a bountiful contributor of knitted mitts, scarves and hats to the Christmas Cheer Board or the Red Cross.  Needless to say that all items were impeccably crafted. She was also a skilful cook, and offered that service in many of our houses.

Additionally, Léa was often in charge of boarders at several of our schools in Francophone contexts.  According to one Sister who lived with Léa in community:

“No boarders ever got away with anything whatever – and neither did the rest of us for that matter. … She was usually the Sacristan and even the priests obeyed her. She was true blue and could be a lot of fun. It has been a while since I last saw her but I will never forget her.  May she rest in peace!  She really deserves it!”

Léa was particularly grateful for the fourteen years she served in Montreal at St. Pie X Église on Rue Lavallée from 1975-1989.  Visiting sick, elderly, and shut-in members of the parish community in a poor section of Montreal was deeply meaningful for Léa, and she entered into this ministry with her whole heart.

In her retired years, when Léa was still active in community affairs, the province leadership asked her to contact Sisters when there was important province news to convey.  Léa had a lovely pleasantness as she took on this task, and whether the news was good or bad, her cheerful voice saying “this is the phone tree calling”, was a link that connected us all.

Léa was proud of her French Canadian heritage, and carried a sense of historic responsibility for the French language/culture and the Catholic faith.  Her needs were simple and she tended to them with a minimum of fuss. We knew something of her kindness, hospitality, and humour; we also knew something of her fears, angers, and worries.  Such are the joys and sorrows of community living.  Beyond all that, we further knew her as a woman of prayer, and a good listener.

In a life marked by war and countless rumors of war, we believe Léa now lives in peace.  May she find rest from all her labors, and joy abundant in the fullness of God’s presence.