OMMI teacher Burneice Carr dies at 74

Special to the WCR
Ottawa

Originally from Ottawa, Carr, a nurse and a teacher, served as a lay missionary in Prince Rupert, B.C., along with her colleague Terry Hayes.

They eventually committed their life to the service of the Lord and in 1956 came to Edmonton to implant the Secular Institute of the Oblate Missionaries of Mary Immaculate and see to the formation of the new candidates.

In Edmonton, Burneice taught nursing at the Edmonton General Hospital. With other OMMI she helped out in the newly-founded Annunciation Parish. Upon the request of parishioners, Burneice established a kindergarten, as well as one in the neighbouring St. John the Evangelist Parish.

Burneice also worked with Redemptorist Father Edward Kennedy, who was then the director of the Catholic Information Centre. She gave classes to those enquiring into the Catholic Church, similar to today's RCIA program.

Later on, Burneice taught at Sacred Heart School, in Edmonton's inner city. In 1976, she returned to Ottawa to care for her aging parents.

She was then elected to the administrative council of the OMMI Secular Institute while continuing her involvement with the people in need in her own milieu. Her commitment to God and to his people, coupled with her kindness and gentleness, are still remembered.

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