In Memorium
They nurtured our spirits and gave us their courage.As you read the memorials of women and men who served the United Church in Diaconal Ministry, you are invited to ponder their stories. Drink in their courage, their commitment, and their wisdom. Let their lives and memories nurture your spirit.
In Memorium
A human life is holy,
for it comes from God
and it returns to God:
A human life is holy
in its becoming.
A human life is holy
in its living
And a human life is holy
in its dying
Carole Etzler’s song, “Standing Before Us” has often been sung at diaconal gatherings. The song invites us to appreciate and embody the wisdom we receive from the our elders who have gone before us. The third verse of the song reminds us that these forebears “nurtured our spirits” and “gave us their courage.” Through their witness we are made strong.
As you read the memorials of women and men who served the United Church in Diaconal Ministry, you are invited to ponder their stories. Drink in their courage, their commitment, and their wisdom. Let their lives and memories nurture your spirit.
Longer biographies of women who entered the diaconate prior to 1980 are available at UCCDeaconessHistory.ca
Remembered
Each time DUCC meets, a time of worship names those who have died since DUCC last gathered. See below for biographies on the women and men who have been recently remembered.
The following people will be remembered at the 2020 DUCC National Gathering:
Frances Clarke, July 5, 2018
Sharon Davis, July 26, 2017
Ruth (Peat) Robertson, June 3, 2017
Jessie MacLeod, May 3, 2018
PAST MEMORIAL PRESENTATIONS:
2018 National Gathering: To view the Memorial Service: Memorial Script and Memorial Slideshow (download and print the script which has the corresponding slide numbers for viewing the slideshow)
2017 National Gathering: o view the Memorial service: Memorial Script and Memorial Slideshow (download and print the script with the corresponding slide numbers for viewing the slideshow)
Our Community
In Memorium
Kay Pearson
In Memorium Catherine (Kay) Pearson, born December 27, 1927, was in diaconal ministry. She knew that ministry was the work of the whole people of God and Kay had an unwavering faith in God. From 1968 (Receptionist 1968-81, Coordinator of Residential Services,...
Willa Kernen
In Memorium Dr. Willa Alberta Kernen was born on August 7, 1926 at Girvin, SK. She lived on the family farm until moving to Saskatoon at the age of 10 years. She attended Wilson School and City Park Collegiate, followed by a secretarial course at Tech. Willa...
Heather Norman Gleeson
In Memorium Heather Norman Gleeson was born as a Presbyterian in London, England in 1938. In 1960 she graduated from Hornsey Art School, Hornsey, England, with a Diploma in Dress Design and Pattern Cutting. She moved to Edmonton, and became a member of...
Daisy Rickard
In Memorium Daisy Rickard was born January 21, 1925, just 6 months before the Church to which she dedicated her life was created. She grew up in the east side of Toronto and offered many forms of leadership in groups and committees in her home congregation,...
Enid Horning
In Memorium Enid Horning's first profession was teaching, but her calling was to be a missionary. She dreamed of serving in Angola, Africa, inspired by a cousin of her father, who had served there, but when God’s call was realized it was to Japan. Enid felt, “it...
Lillias Brown
In Memorium Lillias Audrey Jean Brown was born May 27, 1924 and served her ministry as a missionary in India after graduating from the United Church Training School in 1951. Lillian passed away peacefuly at St. Hilda's Long Term Care in Toronto on Saturday...
Betty Ann Caldwell
In Memorium ELIZABETH (BETTY ANN) CALDWELL was born April 9, 1931. Betty Ann was born in Dauphin, MB and raised in Gilbert Plains. She remembered her childhood as a wondrous time, filled with family, community, church, education, sports and music. Throughout...
Marjorie Hannah
In Memorium Marjorie Hannah - Biography coming soon.
Lillian Morrison
In Memorium Lillian Morrison graduated from the Centre for Christian Studies in 1983. She was Minister Emeritus at Scarborough Bluffs United Church in Toronto, and had just passed the 29th anniversary of her entry into ordered ministry. As a lay person, Lillian...