LAYDEN, SISTER VIRGINIA ELIZABETH (SISTER MICHAELENE)
The death of Sister Virginia Elizabeth Layden (Sister Michaelene) occurred at Ruth Ross Residence on Sunday, August 9, 2015. Sr. Virginia Layden was born in Goshen, New Brunswick and was a daughter of the late Ervin Dominic Layden and Bridget Catherine (Breen) Layden.
She entered the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception on October 15, 1950. She was a cook at St. Joseph’s Convent and St. Vincent’s Novitiate for a few years until she was missioned to St. Patrick’s Orphanage in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan from 1953 – 1971. Returning to her native province she began hospital work as chief housekeeper at St. Joseph’s Hospital. This was followed by three years at St. Mary’s Home in Moncton, then on to retreat work at Villa Madonna Retreat House.
Sister Layden became a missionary to Peru in 1977 where she was in parish ministry until 1982. Returning to Canada, she was a parish assistant at Sts. John and Paul Parish in New Maryland, NB. This led her to Pastoral Care at Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton. In 1991 she was appointed Administrator at St. Vincent's Convent in Saint John. From 1995 to 2002, Sister Virginia continued to serve her Sisters at various convents and in hospitality at Conway Place.
In 2002 she became a visitor at Rocmaura Nursing Home in Saint John where she received a mission award in 2009 for volunteer service in spiritual and religious care. She lately resided at Ruth Ross Residence.
She is survived by one brother Father Donald Layden CSC and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents she was predeceased by sisters: Margaret Layden, scic, Rita (Mrs. George Bowland), Agnes Layden, Mary (Mrs. Stephen Walsh), Genevieve (Mrs. Edward DuBois) and brothers: Edward Layden, Patrick Layden, Thomas Layden, Augustine Layden
and Kenneth Layden.
Resting at Ruth Ross Residence with visiting on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 from 2 to 4pm and 7 to 9pm with a Prayer Vigil at 7pm in Carmel Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Ruth Ross Residence, Carmel Chapel on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at 10:00am followed by interment in the Sisters of Charity Plot at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Fitzpatrick’s Funeral Home, 100 Waterloo Street (634-1965) fitzpatrickfh.com