Obituary of Sister Margaret Theresa Vickers

Sister Margaret Theresa Vickers (Sr. Margaret Theresa), C.M., R.N., B.N., M.H.A., died peacefully at Ruth Ross Residence on February 10, 2019. Born on June 18, 1927 in Nelson-Miramichi, NB, she was the daughter of the late Albert John and Emma Jane (Burns) Vickers. She was a graduate of St. Michael’s Academy in Chatham, NB, and received her RN from St. Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish, NS. She nursed in New Brunswick, Ontario, Michigan and California until she returned to enter the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception in Saint John, NB in 1955. Sister Margaret earned her Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Health Administration from the University of Ottawa. She was Supervisor of Pediatrics at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Saint John, NB (1957-63), Administrative Assistant at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC (1967-68), Director of Nursing at St. Joseph’s (1968-69) and Assistant Administrator of Holy Family Hospital in Prince Albert, SK (1969-72). She returned to St. Joseph’s and became the Administrator from 1972-95. During her ministry here, she initiated many innovations, including Specialized Geriatric Services, Day Surgery, Eye Centre and Breast Screening Clinic. Sister Margaret received an Honorary Doctorate in Law from the University of New Brunswick (1986), a Performance Citation Award from the Catholic Health Association of Canada (2007) and the Order of Canada (2008). She served on many Boards, including the New Brunswick Hospital Association, Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan, Providence Health Care, Vancouver CHARA Society, Canadian Hospital Association, United Way and Hospice Saint John. She retired to Vancouver and was Mission Facilitator for Providence Health Care. She served on the Leadership Team of her community (1998-02) and returned to Saint John to Ruth Ross Residence as Coordinator where she resided. Sister Margaret believed in excellence and the dignity of work. She valued each person’s contribution as important for them and the greater mission. She was a leader and a positive encourager, who invested in the people she worked with, celebrating their accomplishments and preparing them for the next opportunity to further their career. She was respected as a leader, a mentor and a dear friend. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by her brothers Allan, William, Burns, Benedict, Albert and sisters Mary (Gill), Ella (Meahan) and Sister Alice Vickers, scic. She is survived by her sisters Sister Charlotte Vickers, scic, Mrs. Joan Kachel, Mrs. Alberta Abud and brother Gerald Vickers. Visitation on Wednesday, February 13, from 2-4 and 6-8pm at Ruth Ross Residence (105 Burpee Avenue) with Vigil at 7pm in Carmel Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 14, 10am at Holy Redeemer Parish (St. Pius X - 316 Somerset Street). Interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424). Remembrances can be made to St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation or the charity of your choice.