Sister Agnes Cordeau C.N.D.
Passed on: December 7th, 2018
The Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame and the Cordeau Family of Sydney Mines announce with a sense of deep loss and sorrow the death of Sister Agnes Cordeau (Sister St. Frances of the Eucharist) on December 7, 2018 at the C.N.D. Healthcare Center, Sydney, NS. Born in Sydney Mines, the daughter of the late Jean Pierre and Emma (Fortune) Cordeau.
Sister Agnes entered the Congregation of Notre Dame in August 1951 and made her Religious Profession in Montreal on August 23, 1953.
Her many devoted years of service in the Congregation of Notre Dame were spent as a teacher, specializing in Mathematics. She taught in Iona, Inverness, Antigonish, Sydney, and served as Principal of Holy Angels High School, Sydney, NS for a period of ten years.
A graduate of Sydney Mines High School, Sister Agnes received her B.A. B.Ed. from St. F.X. University, and M.A. Ph.D. in Education from Toronto University.
An exemplary Educator, Sister Agnes was an “educational icon” in each of her designated assignments throughout her 37 devoted years in the teaching profession. Her strong commitment and dedication to the education and promotion of women’s education and leadership in society, were hallmarks her students and fellow teachers recognized and greatly admired.
After retirement, Sister Agnes continued her generous contribution as a volunteer working among teachers and students as mentor, tutor, and spiritual leader. Having a special interest in overseeing the needs of the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum on York Street, Agnes also served as Community leader at Holy Angels Convent.
Aside from school services, Agnes was also the virtual coach of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. A season ticket holder, she was an avid fan who attended every game! Even in later years when poor health forced her to reside a the C.N.D. Health Center, Sister Agnes could be seen at Center 200 in her wheelchair at the back of the arena, possibly praying that “her boys” would have a successful game!
Sister Agnes is survived by sisters, Betty, Sydney Mines, Teresa (Elmer) Doiron, Sister Geraldine C.N.D., Sydney and Sister Anna, C.N.D., Sydney; brothers, Joseph, Sydney Mines, Rev. Leo, Edmonton/Sydney Mines and Charles (Katherine), Sydney Mines. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins who sadly mourn her loss.
Sister Agnes was predeceased by two sisters, Mary (Arthur) Crane and Detta (Ted) Haley; sister-in-law, Vivian, and four brothers, John, Daniel (Frances), Stanley and Francis (Maria).
Visitation will take place at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, Sydney on Tuesday, December 11 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church, Sydney on Wednesday, December 12 at 10 a.m. with Father Bill Burke and Father Leo Cordeau officiating. Reception will follow in the church foyer. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
Online condolences may be sent to her family by visiting www.twcurry.com.
