SISTER GEORGETTE PAYEUR
1931-2024
Sister Georgette Payeur (Sister Mary of Saint-Denis of the Savior) slipped away peacefully to her Heavenly Home on March 21, 2024, at the age of 92.
Sister Georgette was born on June 21, 1931, in Spirit River, Alberta. She was the eldest of 3 children.
Georgette loved school, and her love for teaching began at an early age by teaching her brothers or “whoever happened to come along”. While in boarding school in Falher she experienced the dedicated prayer life and service of the Sisters of Holy Cross. This was instrumental in her response to God’s call to join the Congregation in 1948.
After her formation in Montréal as a Sister of Holy Cross, she “at long last” began her teaching career. She taught for 17 years across northern Alberta. From 1998 to 2015, the Grouard-McLennan Diocese, Edmonton and St. Paul Dioceses benefited from her expertise as an educator ‘par excellence’.
Very focused on the Church in the world, Georgette read extensively on church documents and theology, and she had a wide selection of religious music. She naturally turned toward Parish Pastoral Ministry and Adult Faith Education, particularly in Calgary and Grouard-McLennan dioceses. Georgette’s focus then turned toward Parish Pastoral Ministry, in the Grouard-McLennan Diocese. Her interest in the RCIA, a Program for adult faith education, led to her becoming the Diocesan Formation Director.
In 1984 her Holy Cross family recognized her gift for leadership and listening presence. She was elected as the Provincial Leader of Western Canada. She speaks of those years as a ‘wonderful experience’, to keep discovering the unique gift of each sister for the advancement of the Kingdom.
Throughout her life, Sister Georgette made and fostered special bonds with the people she served. Her warm and welcoming personality touched many hearts. She was a kind, gentle, and loving woman, whose winning smile welcomed everyone. In her spare time, she enjoyed the company of her family and friends, nature, walking, attending to her plants, cooking, moments of reflection, reading, and music.
In 2015 she reluctantly left her beloved Peace River home and moved to Edmonton AB. She will be greatly missed by the sisters of her Congregation, family, and long-time friends. May she rest peacefully in the loving arms of the God she so faithfully served.
Sister Georgette is predeceased by her parents and her two brothers Don Payeur and Dennis Payeur.
The Mass of Resurrection will be held on June 27th, at 10 a.m., St. Thomas d’Aquin Parish in Edmonton (8410 – 89th Street NW). The interment will take place following the funeral at Holy Cross Cemetery, 14611 Mark Messier Trail, Edmonton.
Lord, in your steadfast love, give her eternal rest.
