Sister Mary "Sheila" McAleese

The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada announces the death of Sister Sheila McAleese at Mount St. Joseph, Peterborough, on Friday, November 26, 2021. Mary was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1922. In 1929 she came to Canada with her family and settled on a farm in Alberta. In September 1938 she entered the congregation and upon final profession she adopted the religious name of Sister Sheila.

Sister Sheila is predeceased by her parents, the late Catherine (McMullan) and Edward McAleese and by her brothers John, Dan, Patrick, Archie, and her sisters Eileen (Morrow), Sally (Little) and Ann (Raboud). She is survived by her brother Edward McAleese of Edmonton AB, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is lovingly remembered by the members of her religious community, the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Sister Sheila began her religious life ministry at St. Vincent’s orphanage. After graduating with her R.N. in 1949 she was assigned to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Estevan, Sask. as Nursing Supervisor. Sister Sheila returned east to work in General Supervision in Parry Sound and then as Manager Obstetrical Supervision at St. Joseph’s (Peterborough). After obtaining her B.Sc. in Nursing she taught at St. Joseph’s School of Nursing. She returned to St. Joseph’s Hospital (Peterborough) as Head Nurse in Central Supply then worked as Nursing Supervisor in the Care Centre of Mount St. Joseph. She was Local Leader of the Convent in Vancouver from 1980-83 and worked at the Grey Nun’s Youville Residence for Seniors. She also assisted with Community Services in Wainwright, AB. Sister Sheila returned to the Mount for ministry with her Sisters in 2009. She is fondly remembered for her nursing skills, knitting for the Red Cross and letter writing. It has been a long, interesting and rewarding road from Ireland to the present and God has blessed her, and us, because of the many paths she has taken in service to all.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Sister Sheila McAleese can be made at www.csjcanada.org - https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/49627/donation

Respecting the guidelines for Covid -19, a private service will be held at Mount St. Joseph Chapel, Peterborough ON on Monday November 29, 2021.

Interment will follow the Mass at Highland Park Cemetery, Peterborough.