Obituary of Sister Marie Thérèse Kergoat

Sister Thérèse Kergoat, (Sister M. Germaine), peacefully went home to her God on March 10, 2021 at Ruth Ross Residence in Saint John, NB.  Born in Biggar, Saskatchewan on October 4, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Yves and Marie Louise (Pennaneach) Kergoat, both from France.

She was a graduate nurse from Holy Family Hospital in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan before she entered the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception in Saint John, New Brunswick on January 6, 1945.  She received her Teaching Diploma in Nursing in Toronto and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in London, Ontario.  Sister Germaine was Ward Supervisor at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Saint John before becoming the Director of Holy Family Hospital School of Nursing and Director of Nursing in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan (1948-60).  In 1960 she continued as Ward Supervisor and Director of Nursing at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Vancouver until 1978. 

Sister Thérèse received a two-year leave of absence to work with persons with intellectual disabilities at the L’Arche community in France.  Returning to Vancouver in 1980, she was the Head Nurse at St. Vincent’s Hospital.  She also became the Coordinator of the Faith and Light Association which cared for persons with intellectual disabilities who were living in their homes in Vancouver.  After her retirement from active nursing, she volunteered in the Emergency Department at St. Vincent’s Hospital.  A long-time volunteer at St. Vincent’s Hospital, she was awarded the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award for her many years of volunteer service. 

She travelled to Bolivia many times and helped in the building of two schools and a 40-bed hospital in Cochabamba, as well as providing much needed equipment and supplies to the hospital.

Sister Thérèse was known for her professionalism, ethical leadership, practicality and common sense.  She had great compassion and devotion to those who were disabled and marginalized.

Besides her parents Yves and Marie Louise, she was predeceased by her sisters Sister Yvonne Kergoat, ASV, Sister Josephine Kergoat, Grey Nuns (Montreal), Marie (Mrs. Joseph Blaise), Louise (Mrs. Maxwell Kelliher) and brothers Pierre, Henri, Andre, Rene and Raymond.

A graveside service will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 10:00 AM.  Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424).

For those who wish, donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.