Sister Mary Carol Lemire

Sister Mary Carol Lemire, CSJ died peacefully at the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence, 2 O’Connor Drive, Toronto, Ontario on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 in the 77th year of her religious life.

She was predeceased by her parents, Auguste Lemire, Margaret Mary (née Kelly) Lemire and by her sister, Sister Anne Lemire, CSJ. She will be missed by her cousins, friends and Sisters in community.

Sister Mary Carol was born and raised in Toronto and was taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph, both at Holy Name School and then at St. Joseph’s College School. Following high school graduation in 1947, she joined the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in September of that year. For 23 years, Sister Mary Carol was an educator in elementary schools in Ontario and British Columbia.

Sister Mary Carol completed her B.A. degree in 1966 and obtained her M.Ed. in 1971, both from the University of Toronto. In 1974, she was elected as congregational leader for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto and served in this role for the next eight years. While in office, in 1979, she was granted an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Regis College, University of Toronto.

In 1996, Sister Mary Carol received the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice in recognition of her service to the Church in the Archdiocese of Toronto, an award whereby the entire Congregation, especially those who have ministered in health care and education are implicitly honoured through this cross.

In 1985, Sister Mary Carol established Nazareth House in Toronto as a supportive transitional home for women and their infants. This new ministry was founded through collaboration and financial support from the Congregation and matching provincial government grants, along with additional fundraising and a generous board of directors, and volunteers.

Her ministry to women continued through St. Joseph’s Centre, Morrow Park as she accompanied women on their prayerful journeys through life. Later, she engaged in pastoral outreach to the women at Annunciation Parish in Toronto.

As her health declined, Sister Mary Carol moved to the Care Centre at the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence at 2 O’Connor Drive, where she received excellent care from their dedicated staff. We will miss her warm smile and gracious presence among us.

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, March 21, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.