Two long-time members of the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception, who served for many years in the Edmonton Archdiocese, have died.
Sr. Theresa Hucul, SCIC, served at St. Matthew’s parish. She died Nov. 1 at age 81. Sr. Margaret Coyle, SCIC, died Nov. 5. She was 85. Both lived their last years in New Brunswick, where the SCIC Sisters are based.
For many years, the SCIC lived at several residences in Edmonton and had one house in Fort Saskatchewan and another in Lloydminster. They also served in Spruce Grove, Sherwood Park, Hanna, Radway (St. Joseph’s Hospital), Wetaskiwin as well as Viking, Edson, Wainwright and Camrose.
Their formation house (for novices) was in Edmonton. They also lived and served in Lloydminster, Alta. Today, one Sister and several SCIC associates live in Edmonton. In 1854, the congregation was the first English-speaking Catholic religious community to be founded in what became Canada.
Sr. Theresa Frances Hucul (Sr. Mary Dennis) was born on Jan. 15, 1944 in Vancouver. She was the eldest daughter of Frederick and Florence (Gavin) Hucul. She entered the SCIC community in 1962 and pursued education and music, earning her Bachelor of Arts from University of New Brunswick at Fredericton and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from St. Paul University, Ottawa.
Sr. Theresa gently and generously shared her creativity and spirituality, especially in music and pastoral ministries, at St. Matthew’s Parish in Edmonton and as an Adult Faith Facilitator and Liturgical Worship Leader in parishes in New Brunswick. From 1967-1974, she taught school in Saint John and in Fredericton.
For more than 60 years, Sr. Theresa composed over 100 songs and released five musical compilations. As an artist, musical composer and singer, she drew her inspiration from the beauty and wonder of creation, the love of her Creator and the interconnectedness of all our relations.
Sr. Theresa possessed a delightful sense of humour and was quick with a witty observation or pun. She was most proud of her Ukrainian heritage and musical traditions from the family. For her, all moments were sacred, all friends were treasured, and all experiences were “songs” to sing.
Sr. Margaret Rose Coyle (Sr. Marie Bernard) was born July 4, 1940 in Saint John. She joined the SCIC on Sept. 8, 1958, and dedicated her life to education, pastoral ministry, the practise of canon law and leadership roles in her religious community.
After earning her Teacher’s Licence, she taught for 18 years in various locations across Canada – Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan, Saint John, Vancouver, Farrellton, Que. Later, she served as a pastoral associate in Lloydminster, Alta. and with the Interdiocesan Tribunal in Edmonton.
She pursued advanced studies in theology and canon law, earning both a Licentiate and a Masters in Canon Law from St. Paul University in Ottawa. From 1992-2002, she served as the vice-chancellor and chancellor for the Diocese of Whitehorse, Yukon.
She was then SCIC Congregational Treasurer for more than eight years. Known to all as “Margie”, her years in mission brought out her gifts of organization, research, practicality and common sense. But it was her time in the North that nurtured her trailblazing spirit.
Working with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in the Diocese of Whitehorse, Margie also shared her love of nature which surrounded her with those who visited. She was kind-hearted, hospitable and enjoyed the subtlety of satire, often sending a cartoon to brighten someone’s day.