Obituary of Sister Victoria Burtney

SISTER VICTORIA BURTNEY The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada, London neighbourhood, announce the death of our dear Sr. Victoria Burtney at home in our Care Centre, December 28, 2014. Born in 1925 in Vonda Saskatchewan, Sister was received into the Community in 1951. Lovingly remembered by her Sisters in community, her sisters Elizabeth (of London), Julia Godwin (Lethbridge, AB), sister-in-law Mary (Prince Albert), numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her mother Maria (nee Stus), father Nicholas Burtney, her sisters and spouses Helen and Joseph Lucas, Jean and Bill Charney, Phyllis and Tony Thoms, Marcella Middleton, Pauline and Michael Smood, Emily and Alec Schewaga, her brother Bill, and her brother-in-law Jack Godwin. Sister Victoria, known earlier as Sr. Mary Pius, excelled in making a comfortable home for our Sisters, and all the others she served in London: at the House of Providence, Fontbonne Hall, St. Peter's Seminary; in Windsor at St. Joseph's Manor; Killam Alberta and then finally at Mount St. Joseph Academy and Motherhouse back in London. Sister greeted all with a welcoming heart, and displayed a creative touch with the sewing machine. After a sabbatical year focussing on Scripture, Sr. Victoria ministered as a Pastoral Care Worker in Belle River, Leamington, Windsor and finally at Marian Villa, London. In these later years she also fulfilled the role of community driver, being greatly appreciated for getting the Sisters to their appointments safely and on time. A gentle woman with a hearty laugh, and a deep sense of God's abiding presence, Sr. Victoria lived into her final years with graced surrender. We thank Elizabeth Burtney for her faithful companionship and the staff of our Care Centre for their constant and attentive care. All services will be held at the Sisters Residence, 485 Windermere Rd. London, ON Visitation Tuesday, December 30 from 2 -4 and 7 - 8 with a Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, 11 a.m. Burial at St. Peter's Cemetery (John T. Donohue Funeral Home)