It is with sadness that the Sisters of St. Joseph announce the death of their eldest Sister in the Congregation, Sister M. Antoinette on May 10, 2017, at St. Joseph’s Motherhouse, North Bay, Ontario. Sister Antoinette was in her 105th year of life and her 76th year as a Sister of St. Joseph.
Sister Antoinette was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on October 28, 1912. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie, February 11, 1942, from her home parish, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Winnipeg.
Sister Antoinette was predeceased by her parents, Michael Korpacka and Mary Przanowska, brothers Peter and John, and sister Anne. She is survived by members of the Thomas, Phillips and Salamacha families and her faithful, loving grandniece Lori Phillips.
Sister Antoinette graduated with her Registered Nurses diploma from St. Joseph’s Hospital, North Bay, in 1946. She held various nursing positions in hospitals in North Bay, Thunder Bay and Little Current. Following further studies at the University of Western Ontario, she graduated as a Clinical Teacher. In 1956, Sister Antoinette returned to school once again, in Kingston Ontario, and became a Medical Record Librarian. After work experience at Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston, she served as Medical Record Librarian in North Bay, Elliot Lake and Thunder Bay. Sister retired in 1992, and returned to St. Joseph’s Motherhouse where she has resided for the past twenty-five years.
In 2016, Sister Antoinette celebrated 75 years of commitment, service and ministry as a Sister of St. Joseph at her Double Diamond Jubilee.
Sister Antoinette celebrated her 100th birthday with the congregation where her gentle regal presence demonstrated how integral she was in the life of so many. Her love of music was nourished by frequent attendance at symphony concerts, as recently as 2015. Sister Antoinette celebrated and enjoyed life in all of its phases. She and her faithful friend and companion, Sister Shirley McNamara, enjoyed music and correspondence with the singer Daniel O’Donnell, who invited her to attend one of his Toronto concerts. The invitation was graciously declined due to Sister’s declining health. Sister Antoinette’s heart connection, regardless of physical presence, was felt far and wide.
The body of Sister Antoinette will be received at St. Joseph’s Motherhouse at 2:00 p.m., May 15, 2017. A prayer vigil will be held in the Holy Family Chapel at 7:00 p.m. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. May 16, 2017. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, North Bay, Ontario.
May Sister Antoinette Rejoice in Peace