Sister Réjeanne Bérard
On April 26, 2026, at Maison Jésus-Marie, Longueuil,
Sister Réjeanne Bérard (Sister Marie-Isabelle)
went home to God.
She was 93 years of age, and had celebrated 73 years of religious profession with the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM).
Throughout her life, Sister Réjeanne was known for her availability, her kindness, and her dedication to the educative mission of the Congregation. She was well-loved as a teacher and was appreciated for her deep faith, her welcoming presence, her discretion and the special attention she gave to each person.
Family and youth
Born on October 1, 1932, in Saint-Barthélemy, Réjeanne was the oldest of the five children of Hervé Bérard and Isabelle Lacharité. She grew up in a Christian home, where family and caring for one another were important values.
After the sickness and death of her mother in 1947, Réjeanne interrupted her studies to become the homemaker who took care of her younger sisters and brothers. This experience nourished in her a strong sense of responsibility and a life-long attention to the needs of others.
When her younger sister took over the household duties, Réjeanne returned to her studies, first completing her high school and then graduating with a teaching diploma from the Longueuil Teachers’ College.
Religious life and mission of education
Responding to God’s call, she entered the postulate in January of 1953. Supported by her father, who considered her vocation as “the best dream come true,“ she made her final vows in 1959.
Rejeanne consecrated 36 years of her life to elementary school education, notably with the youngest students in Beloeil and Mont-Jésus-Marie, and then In Saint Hilaire, where she continued her mission with the students in grades 6 and 7, until 1990.
Her love for young people, her “joie de vivre” and her spirit of wonderment deeply marked her students, who testified to her passion for education.
A presence of faithful service to others
From 1992 on, Réjeanne put her talents to use in the Sainte-Émilie community. Working as secretary, computer assistant, member of various committees, collaborator in editing the province newsletter, and companion to the sick were among the many ways she generously responded to the needs around her
Even as her health diminished, Réjeanne remained committed to the community life at Sainte-Émilie and then, from 2020 on, at Maison Jésus-Marie.
Réjeanne is remembered for her discretion, her organizational skills, her perseverance and her respect for others. In prayer and contemplation, she recognized the source of her happy and fruitful life.