Sister Rachel Boyer
On March 4, 2026 at Maison Jésus-Marie à Longueuil, Sister Rachel Boyer
(Sister Bernard-de-Marie)
went home to God.
She was 94 years old, with 71 years as a professed religious sister.
Rachel was born in Saint-Timothée in 1932, the seventh of eight children born to Henri Boyer and Germaine Sauvé. She grew up on the family farm. From a young age, Rachel was inspired by the beauty around her, experienced a profound presence of God in nature, and discovered her own love for God in creation.
The roots of her vocation
After attending the one-room schoolhouse, she continued her education at Valleyfield Boarding School for 8 years. It was there that she discerned her call to religious life. In 1953, she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary.
A life committed to education
Sister Rachel dedicated 40 years of her religious life to teaching, generously sharing her knowledge and her faith. Through her extra-curricular activities with Young Catholic Action groups, she witnessed her desire to accompany young people in all aspects of their development.
Serving as educator in the faith
Eager to deepen her mission, she undertook a year of theological studies at the masters’ level and participated in various formation programs in pastoral accompaniment. These experiences led her to commit herself more fully to faith education in schools and to sacramental preparation in both parishes and at the diocesan level.
Pastoral presence with the sick
Rachel answered the call to hospital pastoral ministry as well. She served at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital for 10 years, offering a listening ear and a comforting presence to the sick and their loved ones. She also offered spiritual accompaniment to young university students. When she saw the need, her concern for others even extended to strangers on the street, whom she invited individually to meet with others in her residence on certain evenings for faith sharing and fellowship. Some of her sisters in the residence were inspired to help with hospitality.
A long-lasting witness of faith
In 2016, Sister Rachel was welcomed into Maison Jésus-Marie, where she peacefully continued her life journey until her death.
We remember her as a woman of profound trust in God, with a kind regard for everyone.
These words from Scripture, which she incarnated and mirrored to others throughout her life, remain with us as a beautiful reminder of her time among us: