Sister Mary Redempta Donovan

Alice Donovan
1884 - 1949

Early Saturday morning, January 8, 1949, Sister Mary Redempta (Mary Alice Donovan) died at the House of Providence, Kingston, after a lingering illness of nearly two years.

Sister was a native of Quebec City. She entered the Providence Novitiate, Kingston, in 1915 and made her religious profession in 1917.

After profession Sister, who had previously had a business education, took up nursing and graduated from St. Vincent de Paul Hospital, Brockville. She was subsequently attached to St. Vincent de Paul, St. Francis General Hospital, Smiths Falls, Providence Hospital, Daysland, and finally St. Mary’s Hospital and the Father Dowd Memorial Home, Montreal.

In delicate health she returned to Kingston, and engaged in light duties according to her strength, but the change and rest did not have the desired effect. Operations and x-ray treatments followed but only gave temporary relief. Her condition which became gradually worse was a cause of much suffering, but she bore it patiently and resigned to the end. An exemplary religious at all times, we may believe that she made every moment on the cross of suffering a means of merit and future eternal glory.

His Grace, Archbishop O’Sullivan sang Pontifical Requiem mass, assisted by the Rector and clergy of the Cathedral. Two sisters and a niece were present.