Sr. Kathleen Therese Ann CYR

CYR, Sr. Kathleen Therese Ann SSA (Sr. Mary Aquina) Born March 7, 1933 in New Westminster, BC Died May 3, 2011 at St. Ann's Residence in Victoria, BC. The fourth child born to Charles and Elizabeth Cyr (Byrne), Kathleen graduated in 1950, St. Ann's Academy, New Westminster, BC. She entered the Sisters of St. Ann, Victoria , on Aug. 2, 1952 and pronounced her vows Aug. 6, 1954. Her ministry encompassed education, health care and congregational leadership. Beginning as an elementary school teacher for 6 years, Sr. Kathleen then prepared for her extensive health care ministry, obtaining a BScNursing, Seattle University, Wash. and an MA in Psychosocial Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash. She was also certified for adult learning facilitation, various psychology and counseling specialties and in the area of spirituality. Sr. Kathleen nursed at the Bulkley Valley Hospital, Smithers, BC; did emergency and surgical nursing at St. Joseph's Hospital,Victoria , BC (1964-67); taught psychiatric nursing at St. Joseph's School of Nursing, served in hospital administration and was local leader for the Sisters at St. Joseph's (1968-72). Following studies, Sr. Kathleen served in Ladysmith, BC as Public Health Nurse (1974-76). 1976-80, Kathleen co-founded and taught in the BSc in Nursing programme at the University of Victoria. Called to SSA Province Leaderhip (1980-86), Kathleen oversaw the building and opening of St. Ann's Residence. In 1986 Sr. Kathleen was elected as Congregational Councilor for The Sisters of St. Ann in Lachine, Quebec. Upon her return to Victoria, Kathleen served as administrator of Queenswood Spirituality Centre (1993-2002) and subsequently as Co-Leader at Mount St Angela. Most recently Sr. Kathleen served as a member of the SSA Provincial Council. She was also co-chair of the Advisory Council for The UVIC School of Nursing and collaborated on projects of the Anglican Diocese of BC. She will be remembered for her skill, her warmth and her kindness. Predeceased by her parents, Charles and Elizabeth, siblings: Byrnece and Terry Cyr, she is survived by her sister Bette Topp, brothers: Jerry (Maureen), Bob (Cathy), Peter (Margaret) Cyr, sister-in-law Betty Ann Cyr, generations of nieces, nephews and her own community of the Sisters of St. Ann. Prayers will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thurs. May 5, 2011 at St. Ann's Residence, 2474 Arbutus Road, Victoria, B.C. The Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00 a.m. on Fri. May 6, 2011 also at St. Ann's Residence. Interment following at Hatley Memorial Gardens. A donation may be made in her memory to the Victoria Hospice Society. 625166