Obituary of Sister Bernice Gignac

Sister Bernice Gignac, SNJM Passed away peacefully on March 5, 2016 at Devonshire Seniors Residence. Bernice Martha Marie Gignac was born in 1941 in LaSalle, Ontario. Received into the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary in 1960, Bernice was given the name Sr. M. Bernard-Michel, a name student and staff knew her by in Amherstburg, Sandwich and Rivi"re-aux-Canards, until 1970. Daughter of the late Mark J. Gignac (1995) and the late Claire Ang"lique Gignac (2002) - nee Mailloux. Predeceased by her brother Bernard J. Gignac (Pam) of California (2005). The eldest in her family, Bernice was a born leader. At home, at school, and in religious community she shuffled many facets of life: student, teacher, vocation director, Provincial Team member, co-ordinator at Holy Names Residence, and pastoral minister in rural New Hampshire with her long-time friend, Sr. Kay Smalley, SNJM. This was followed by six years as Provincial Superior on the leadership team, and ten years with associate Jeannine Larocque ministering at Ravine"s Women Centre in Oxley. Sr. Bernice"s last five years were devoted to Associates, to several provincial committees and as co-ordinator of the Windsor Mission Centre of the U.S. Ontario Province. In 2014 Sr. Bernice with the help of the 150th Anniversary Committee organized two public celebrations to commemorate the arrival of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary in Windsor, Amherstburg, Detroit, Chicago... Sister Bernice Gignac will be sadly missed by her dear sister, Cathy Beaune (Robin) Essex and four brothers: Bob (Mary) LaSalle, Len (Pam) Grand Ledge, MI, Joe (Jane) Tecumseh, and Ray (Diane) LaSalle and eleven nieces and nephews and 15 great nieces and nephews. Lovingly remembered by all her SNJM Sisters and Associates. Truly appreciative for all the excellent care received at Devonshire Seniors Residence, especially by Ann Hansen and Lila Naud. Visitation at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home (Main Chapel) 519 -253-7234, 1700 Tecumseh Rd. E. on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. Prayers at 8:00 p.m. Family and Friends are welcome to gather at Assumption Parish McEwan Campus, 711 McEwan Ave. on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Cremation to follow. "If you so desire, donations may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Names Ministries". Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com.