Obituary of Sister Eleanor Bednar

Sister Eleanor Lillian Bednar (Sister Mary de Prague) died peacefully at Ruth Ross Residence on October 1^st, 2019.  Born in Ponoka, Alberta, she was the daughter of the late Martin and Mary (Holecek) Bednar.  Eleanor entered the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception on February 2, 1940. 

One of her first missions was in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, where she taught grades 5 to 9 at Sacred Heart School and was the Principal there from 1942 - 1957.  Sister Mary de Prague then moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba where she taught at St. Joseph’s School from 1957 - 1968, returning to Wetaskiwin, Alberta and then to Saint John, New Brunswick to serve in Parish work in Catechetics. 

She then returned to Winnipeg in 1974 and served in two parishes, St. Joseph’s and St. Anthony’s for the next ten years.  From 1984 to 1987 Sister Eleanor served as Pastoral Assistant in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, then returned to New Brunswick and served at Ruth Ross Residence as Co-ordinator until 1997.  Sister Bednar moved to Digby, Nova Scotia and resided at St. Patrick’s Convent while serving at St. Patrick’s Church in Music Ministry and RCIA.  Sister Eleanor then returned to Saint John in 2001 and resided at Ruth Ross Residence, remaining involved in advocacy for social justice.

Sister Eleanor loved life, enjoyed entertaining all with her musical renditions and continued to be physically active despite her advancing years.

Predeceased by her parents, Martin and Mary; sister, Martha Jones; brothers, William, Gustave and Marvin and nephew, Rev. Richard Bednar.

Survived by her niece, Laura Bluck of Alberta and nephew, Leonard Bednar of Halifax.

Visitation at Ruth Ross Residence (105 Burpee Avenue) on Thursday, October 3^rd from 2-4pm and 6-8pm.  Vigil in Carmel Chapel at 7pm on Thursday and Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, October 4^th at 10am at Carmel Chapel (105 Burpee Avenue).  Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424). 

www.BrenansFH.com