A leader with a strong humanistic spirit
It's perfectly fair to say that Sister Yolande was the epitome of gentleness, a leader who was committed, kind and open to others
Tribute to Sister Yolande Gagnon, s.p.
Sister Yolande was born in Matane, Gaspé, Quebec, in 1932, the sixth of 13 children. She attended school in her native village and went on to high school and the Teacher training college at the Sisters of the Good Shepherd convent, also in Matane. From an early age, Sister Yolande dreamed of devoting herself to God, and even becoming a missionary. It was through her parish vicar that she learned of the Sisters of Providence and their work. Trusting in Providence and the compassion of Our Lady of Sorrows, she entered community on November 17, 1952, and at the end of her temporary vows, pronounced her perpetual vows on November 19, 1957.
As soon as she was ordained, Sister Yolande became involved in teaching. For thirteen years, from 1957 to 1974, she worked in Saint-Tite, Mascouche, Lanoraie and Joliette. Always eager to perfect her skills, Sister Yolande interspersed her ministry with years of study to enhance her teaching skills. In 1959, Sister Yolande obtained her Certificate B in teaching at the Providence Saint-Enfant-Jésus Scholasticate in Mile End. In 1965, she obtained a Certificate A and a bachelor’s degree in pedagogy from the Providence Institute in Montreal. Finally, from 1966 to 1969, she studied religious studies and theology for a master’s degree at the Université de Montréal.
In the mid-70s, a new option emerged and she left teaching for good to dedicate herself to functions of authority within the Congregation. From 1974 to 1982, she was provincial councilor for the St. Joseph Province in Montreal. Sister Yolande was also involved in initial formation from 1975 to 1990. Continuing her ministry as a formator, she worked in Alexandria, Egypt, while helping to meet the needs of the most vulnerable and providing hospitality at the Sanctuary of Sainte-Rita-de-Cascia. On her return, the Notre-Dame Province welcomed her as Provincial Superior, a mandate that lasted until 2002. That same year, she was elected General Assistant Councilor on the General Council of the Congregation, a position she held until 2007.
Her knowledge and experience are recognized on boards such as Centre Inter-Val for women victims of violence, Maison de l’Exode Inc, Escale Notre-Dame Inc. for drug addicts, Répit Providence, at the service of children, En son nom, a magazine for religious communities, and the Roncalli International Foundation.
Starting in 2008, Sister Yolande also became a Formation Director for the Quebec-Vermont, Émilie-Gamelin Province, a position that really puts her in the spotlight of the Community of the Sisters of Providence, as she says: “Mother Gamelin’s charism is reflected in every ministry by her kindness, detachment, compassion, love and great trust in Providence.
She was admitted to the Pavillon Providence on July 20, 2020, welcoming this new reality as her final offering and the testimony of a mission accomplished. She returned to our heavenly Father on April 8, 2025.
Providence of God, we thank you for a lifetime of commitment to the Mission and for the faith and trust of our dear sister Yolande Gagnon in you, our Providence.
Providence International Center Communications Office