Obituary of Marie Lavoie

Bertha Marie Lavoie passed away at Riverside Health Complex, Turtleford, SK on April 5, 2025 at the age of 98 years.

Bertha was born in Edam, second oldest of three daughters born to John and Antoinette Lavoie. 

Bertha lived for at time in Jackfish Lake area on a farm, then moved to Delmas, SK. She attended boarding school in Battleford, SK. Bertha then entered the order, Sisters of the Assumption. Her first training was in Biggar, SK and she was transferred to Nicolet, QC to complete training. After a few years of teaching in Saskatchewan and Alberta she moved onto Brazil in 1957 for 14 years. Returning to Canada in June 28, 1971 due to the political situation she continued mission work at Kehewin First Nation, living on the Reserve until retirement in 1987.

In Brazil the order provided services to the people: teaching, nursing, social services, cooking, sewing and industrial trades. At the time, living conditions were the same as the people in the mud huts. They had no amenities and had a diet of dried fish and beans in winter.

Bertha returned to Brazil in 2006 for a reunion and the area she served in for 14 years is now a city with the amenities of today.

Kehewin was an established community and the orders role changed to a support service to the families and their wishes to move forward. This was a transitional change and a learning role for Bertha.

"I really enjoyed working on Kehewin, which became my home and the people became my family."

Bertha was predeceased by: her parents, John and Antoinette Lavoie; and sisters, Madeline and Robertine.

A Memorial Service for Bertha will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 2pm at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Walburg, SK.

Donations in memory of Bertha may be made to Twin Rivers Health Foundation - Riverside Health Complex - Long Term Care Fund.