SISTER CECILE MILETTE

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SISTER CECILE MILETTE, S.G.M Surrounded by her sisters, the Grey Nuns, and the nursing staff of Actionmarguerite (Saint-Boniface), the Lord called back to Him his faithful servant, Sister Cécile Milette on Sunday, May 19, 2013 at the age of 94. Sister Cécile was born on September 21, 1918 in St. Boniface, Manitoba, to Joseph Milette and Rosie St. Laurent. She was the third in a family of 14 children, eight girls and six boys. Christian values which permeated the home of this beautiful family prepared her to respond to God's call. At the age of 18, Cécile entered the Novitiate of the Grey Nuns in St. Boniface and consecrated herself to God in the footsteps of Marguerite d'Youville on February 15, 1940. After her religious profession, Sister Milette was assigned to teach in Fort Frances, Ontario. She soon realized that this ministry was not meant for her, therefore, she accepted to do sewing for a short while. In 1943, she undertook courses by correspondence in accounting while working in St. Boniface Hospital. This special mission as an accountant responded to Sister Milette's giftedness and she used it for the next 56 years in: St. Boniface Hospital, Hospice Taché, LaVerendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ontario and eventually at the Provincial House for the next 39 years! During those many years of service, Sister Cécile exemplified remarkable accuracy and efficiency in her work. She personalized to the sum mum, self-effacement and discretion. Like the Big Ben on Parliament buildings, the employees and co-workers could set their watch on Sister Milette's whereabouts, opening the business office door, going to the chapel, returning to the office. It was constant! To all who came to her for direction and counsel, she remained patient and always ready to lend a helping hand. Two years before her golden jubilee of religious life, Sister Milette accepted to computerize the accounting system at the Provincial House: "Originally", she said, "I stalled on acquiring a computer because I was scared of them. But I found that by staying calm and not getting too sacred, it turned out well." In early 1989, "I took basic computer programming," said Sister Cécile. In the fall of the same year, I took a micro-computer course for beginners at the University of Winnipeg and a course in the Lotus 123 at College Universitaire Saint-Boniface. After the initial fears and anxieties that accompany change, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this new age of technology.". Not only was Sister an example of professionalism, she was a prayerful woman of deep faith, an ambitious card player, and a community-oriented companion who believed in the words of Saint James 2:13, " there will be judgment without mercy for those who have not been merciful themselves, but the merciful need have no fear of judgment.". In 1999, her health began to decline and she felt it was time for her to retire. She spent four years at our pre-infirmary at the Provincial House before being transferred to Actionmarguerite in 2003 where her remarkable peace and grace continued to inspire friends, residents and staff. On May 19, 2013, feast of Pentecost, Sister Milette heard the Lord's gentle whisper, and responded peacefully like a falling leaf. Sister Cécile leaves to mourn two sisters: Louisa Gould and Annette Leskin, one brother Roland (Rosalie) and two sisters-in-law: Anne and Marion, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, five sisters: Esther, Ida, Simone, Lorraine and Rita and five brothers: Aimé, Emile, Léo, Louis and Maurice. The Grey Nuns wish to thank the nursing staff at Actionmarguerite, particularly 3DE, as well as the pastoral workers, for the excellent care provided to Sister Cécile Milette. Also, special thank you to Sister Cécile's nephew, Richard Couzens, who visited his dear Aunt on a regular basis. The funeral mass for Sister Cécile Milette will be held Tuesday, May 28 at 1:30 p.m. preceded by viewing at 1:00 p.m. at 151 Despins Street, Winnipeg. Interment will follow at the St. Boniface Cemetery on Archibald Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Desjardins 233-4949 1-888-233-4949 www.desjardinsfuneralchapel.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 25, 2013