ALBERT JOHN VICKERS, born February 23, 1891

            Married EMMA JANE BURNS in the year 1919.
 
 

            EMMA JANE BURNS, born January 28, 1897.
 

            ALBERT died July 28, 1973

            EMMA JANE died January 2, 1959.
 

            ALBERT AND EMMA JANE HAD SIX SONS AND SEVEN DAUGHTERS:
 

               Bennie, born January 17, 1920

               William, born August 11, 1921

               Mary, born January 8, 1923

               Burns, born April 13, 1924

               Allan, born January 17, 1926

               Margaret, born June 18, 1927

               Albert Jr., born December 3, 1928

               Ella, born December 16, 1930

               Charlotte, born February 9, 1932

               Alice, born May 17, 1933

               Gerald, born April 14, 1935

               Joan, born July 12, 1937

               Alberta, born June 9, 1941.

            BENNIE
 

            BENNIE   Born January 17, 1920
             ELLA
 

ELLA    Born December 16, 1930

 Married  Blair Meahan, September 1, 1953

 Address:  45 Park Hill Drive
    Saint John, New Brunswick
    E2J 2V6
 

Children:
Mary    Born June 25, 1954
Margaret    Born August 19, 1955
Noreen    Born October 2, 1956
Patricia    Born February 5, 1958
Katherine    Born November 10, 1959
Joan     Born October 23, 1960
John     Born February 28, 1962
Sherry     Born August 5, 1963
     Died June 20, 1965
Edward    Born May 24, 1966
Joseph                                      Born July 3,1968
Philip     Born December 18, 1972
 
 

MARY   Married Glen Park

 Address:  977 Upper Wellington
    Hamilton, Ontario
    L9A 4W3

 Children:  Bradley - Born March 7, 1980
    Justin  - Born January 28, 1981
    Craig   - Born July 20, 1984.
    Katey   - Born September 5, 1990
 

MARGARET  Married Allan Spencer, April 1975

 Address:  581 Martha Ave
    Saint John, New Brunswick
    E2J 4L7
                                                E-Mail-margaret.spencer@city.saint-john.nb.ca

 Children:  Adam - Born March 7, 1977
    Robert - Born August 30, 1979

ELLA (Cont'd)

NOREEN   Married William Ballard, November 13, 1982

 Address:  20 Woodward Avenue
    Saint John, New Brunswick
    E2K 1Z7

 Children:  Michael - Born August 2, 1983
 

PATRICIA   Married Scott Rogerson

 Address:  P.O. Box 50
    Camp Creek, Alberta.
    T0G 2HO

 Children:  Blake - Born March 30, 1991
    Rebecca - Born July 1, 1992

KATHERINE  Married Michael John Walsh, July 13, 1996

 Address:  17 Gregory Place
    Saint John, New Brunswick
    E2k 1G2

           Children:                       Oliva Marie Meahan -January 14,1997
                                                Samantha Allison -June 9,1999

JOAN    Married Kevin Steele, September 8, 1979

 Address:  Hillcrest Road
    RR5, Box 23
    Saint John, New Brunswick
    E2L 3W5

 Children:  Vicky Jo - Born April 4, 1981
    Jeffrey - Born December 16, 1983
    Jared - Born July 22, 1991

EDWARD

 Address:  1075 Upper Willington
Hamilton, Ontario
L9A 3S5
JOSEPH

            Address:                    17 Squire Street
                                              Eastern Passage
                                              Nova Scotia.  B3G 1N2

PHILIP            MARRIED TRACY JOY BREEN,JULY 31.1999

          Address:                       230 St. George west
                                               Saint John, N.B.
                                               E2M 2B1

          Children:                        Riley Norma - Born March 22nd, 2000

JOHN   At home

CHARLOTTE
 

CHARLOTTE   Born February 9, 1932

    Entered the Sisters of Charity of The Immaculate Conception on September 8, 1954.

 Address:  Mount Carmel Convent
    101 Burpee Avenue
    Saint John, New Brunswick
    E2K 3V9
                                                E-Mail-vickersc@hotmail.com
    Telephone:  648-3940 or 648-3942

ALICE
 

ALICE    Born May 17, 1933

    Entered the Sisters of Charity of The Immaculate Conception on September 8, 1956

 Address:  Ruth Ross Residence
105 Burpee Avenue
Saint John, N.B.
E2K 3V9

    Telephone:  648-3927/648-3920

GERALD

GERALD   Born April 14, 1935

 Married  Helen Hanlon, August 27, 1960

 Address:  111 Meadowbank Avenue
    Saint John, New Brunswick
    E2K 2C9

Children:
Karen     Born July 29, 1961
Ann Louise    Born June 22, 1963
Kathy     Born February 5, 1965
Paul & James    Born November 9, 1967.

ANN LOUISE  Married Daniel Connolly, July 7, 1984

 Address:  Box 53 Morna Heights
    Saint John, New Brunswick
    E2L 3W7

 Children:  Daniel Patrick - Born September 22, 1986
    Adam James - Born October 27, 1988
    Benjamin Paul - Born February 26, 1991
 

KAREN   Married John Bidgood, August 11, 1993

 Address:  190 Germain Street
    Saint John, N.B.
     E2L 2J4
                                                E-Mail-jon@jonbibgood.demon.co.uk

PAUL               Married Virginia Pretty, September 6, 1997

                Address                    220 Crestdale Drive
    Sydney, Nova Scotia
    B1S 2A1

               Children:                    Elizabeth Emma -Born June17, 1999

JAMES   Married Nora Gallagher, December 31, 1992

 Address:  11 Mahogany Island Court
    Saint John, N.B.
    E2M 5W2

 Children:    Emily Bernadette -Born June16,1996

KATHY   Thunder Bay, Ontario

JOAN
 

JOAN    Born July 12, 1937

 Married  Richard Kachel, October 3, 1964

 Address:  620 Spring Hill Drive
    Morgan Hill, California
    95037     U.S.A.
 

Children:
Michael    Born June 2, 1965
Kelli     July 25, 1966
 
 

MICHAEL   Married Irene Compos

 Address:  17467 Deput Street
Morgan Hill, California
65037   U.S.A.

 Children:  Carli Rene - Born March 16, 1992

 KELL1                                   Married  SCOTT HANNON
                                                  SEPTEMBER 28, 2000

           Address:                       146 Meadow Lawn Street
                                                Huntington, N.Y  11743
 

ALBERTA
 

ALBERTA   Born June 9, 1941

 Married  Phillip Abud, July 1, 1968

 Address:  364 Adelaide Street
    Dalhousie, New Brunswick
    E8C 1A4
 

Children:
Dennis               Born December 18, 1973
Julie               Born March 7, 1975.
 
 

DENNIS   Moncton, N.B.
 
 
 

JULIE   Le Central
    735 Neree Tremblay
                                                 Apartment 406
                                                Ste. Foy, Quebec
    G1V  4W5
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

THE VICKERS CALENDAR
 

1992
 
 
 

SISTER CHARLOTTE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

                         SISTER MARGARET VICKERS
 

         On February 9, 1931, Charlotte Gertrude Vickers arrived at the home of Albert and Emma Vickers Ž a      bouncing baby girl with a lot of black curly hair.  She was a welcome guest as the boys outnumbered the girls in our household.  Sister Charlotte is often referred to as the leader of the clan and as you read this tribute to her, one can readily see those leadership qualities.

 Sister always showed concern for others and spent a great deal of her time helping other members of the family, as well as the poor and marginalized.  The annual Christmas Calendar is one of her endeavours; it was introduced to keep the bond among the Vickers family strong.

 One glance at Charlotte, even as a very young girl, indicated that she was well organized and enthusiastic about life.  Her head was always erect and her back so straight, one would know she was about to accomplish the task she set out to do.  She challenged each event in her life and continues to do so.

 Work was no obstacle to her.  She always had the vision to see what was to be done around the house.  When Daddy was in the camps in the woods she was in charge of the hens, and believe it or not, she had the hens laying eggs at the appropriate time.

 During the summer months, St. Patrick's Church held the yearly church picnic, and we all looked forward to this event and all the ice cream, games, dinner, bowling, etc.  It was more or less the highlight of the summer.  On one occasion, however, there was a terrible commotion.  We were almost home to discover Charlotte was missing.  Six year old Charlotte found her own way home and you can be sure that she was never forgotten again.

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 Charlotte loved to play ball and we often tell this story.  In the school yard at recess, a debate was taking place as to whether or not Jerry McCarthy was out at home plate. Finally, Charlotte announced "He's out" and no one questioned the decision.

 Generosity was one of Charlotte's outstanding qualities, and many an hour was spent teaching Alice and Gerald to skate, slide and ski.  Charlotte had the energy and strength to weather the cold and most frequently she was the first out the door to play and the last to return.

 The years at St. Michael's Academy in Chatham were great ones for Charlotte who enjoyed meeting new friends and teachers.  Sister Troy and Sister Corcoran had a major influence on shaping Charlotte's future.  Charlotte excelled in Algebra, and was always ready to be of assistance to others.  The Hotel Dieu Sisters would have loved to see Charlotte following the footsteps of Sister Mary Ann Vickers, but that was not to be as Charlotte had other plans.

 The Hotel Dieu Hospital in Edmundston welcomed Charlotte as a student nurse in 1949.  This was the only hospital that would accept students at the age of 17.  On receipt of her acceptance the entire family rejoiced as we all knew that nursing was her real love in life.  The three years passed quickly and a number of us had the opportunity of attending the graduation exercises in Edmundston.  She was the recipient of three awards, one being the proficiency award.  She also had the privilege of delivering the English valedictory speech.  Mother enjoyed

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this event so much.  Even being stopped at the border and asked to pay duty on her purchases didn't dampen her enthusiasm for long.

 Charlotte loved to travel, so she found employment in Ontario and Michigan.  In each of these hospitals she stood out as a leader and a woman of strong faith.  Most people who knew Charlotte were profoundly affected by the depth of her character.  She never hesitated to speak out, particularly when situations were not in keeping with Gospel values.

 It was 1954 when Charlotte answered the call to join the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity.  It was no easy decision to leave a career, a loving family and a host of friends. Charlotte, who always showed concern for others and spent a great deal of time assisting other people, took the plunge and entrusted herself to a new way of life.  Needless to say, this was a big step and on September 8, 1954 many of the Sisters remarked how the Vickers family, including Sister Charlotte, cried; but within days these tears were turned to joy.  To this day, Charlotte is committed to her vocation as a S.C.I.C.

 Charlotte's first ministry following Novitiate was at St. Joseph's Hospital, Saint John, N.B.  Her religious name, Sister Albert Marie was known far and wide by staff and patients. Yes, the patient was Sister Charlotte's first priority and everyone working with her was very much aware of how she wanted the best for them.  In 1963, Sister Charlotte enrolled in the B.Sc.N. program in Ottawa.  On completion of her degree in 1965 she journeyed to Holy

     4
 

Family Hospital, Prince Albert, Sask.  This indeed was a challenge for Charlotte, and through her hard work she introduced a variety of changes in the Nursing Department, thus enhancing the quality of care for the patients.

 When Sister Charlotte returned to St. Joseph's Hospital as Director of Nursing in 1972, no one could have predicted the tremendous impact she would have upon the hospital and the community.  Nurses at the hospital love to reminisce about her early days when Sister Albert Marie or "S.A.M." would sweep through the halls demanding the high standards of nursing care she believed in so strongly.  One nurse described her visits to the floors as "being struck by a white tornado."

 Certainly Sister Charlotte did have to weather many storms in her challenging role as Director of Nursing.  She dealt with such things as moving from the concept of team nursing to primary care, meeting the constant demands of budget restraint, almost daily meetings with labour representatives and restructuring the Department of Nursing.  She was presented with many problems for which there were no easy solutions; however, while her decisions were not always popular, they were universally respected.  The staff at St. Joseph's was always aware that they were being led by a woman who would work two hours for every hour's work she asked of them, who was not afraid to leave her desk and help out when the floors needed help, and most importantly, someone who cared very deeply about every person, patient or staff in the hospital.  Sister spent many hours counselling and giving support to countless people in the Saint John region.  The admiration and loyalty she gained from her unsung missions of mercy will never be diminished.

     5
 

 Sister's work for the hospital took her outside the walls of St. Joseph's as well.  Her determination that St. Joseph's would not change its status led to a series of fund raising efforts about which she remained tirelessly enthusiastic.  One notable example is "Play Ball for St. Joseph's", now a yearly event that is eagerly anticipated by many Saint Johners. Donning a baseball cap and sweatshirt, she convinced literally thousands of people to donate their time, energy and money to this hospital fund raiser and raised over $500,000 in the process.  One brewery worker turned shortŽstop described it this way, "I'm not sure why I'm here, but I guess its a good cause and besides, that nun's pretty cool."

 One of the greatest sacrifices Sister Charlotte has had to make was accepting the wishes of the Superior General that she further her studies and consider another ministry in the S.C.I.C.  She had mixed emotions about leaving what she described as a dedicated and committed staff, and she has certainly been missed in the past few months.  She does leave behind a legacy of numerous accomplishments of which she must be proud, including her participation in Hospice Saint John, Board of Directors of Saint John School of Nursing, the Preceptorship Implementation Committee, the Executive of the New Brunswick Nurse Managers Association, the Suicide Crisis Intervention Line, and numerous other nursing and medical committees.

 One of Sister's many enthusiasms has always been travel.  Her first trip overseas was to Ireland, the place her father had spoken of for so long.  This experience must be a bittersweet memory for Charlotte, as her companion,

     6
 

Vera Breen, became very ill.  Sister managed to have Vera returned to Canada accompanied by an anaesthetist and a nurse, a feat only Sister Charlotte could have accomplished.  In 1980, Sister travelled to Rome where she lived for a year and studied theology, an enlightening and exciting experience for her.  In 1984 she was asked to accompany a delegation of nurses to China to assist the Department of Health to develop a higher standard of patient care, an honour she both deserved and enjoyed.

 Now, Sister Charlotte has been given an opportunity to experience life on the beautiful California coast, to study scripture and experience community living at St. Mary's College.  We know that Joan, Kellie and Michael are enjoying having a member of the family close to them.  It must be particularly wonderful for Joan to spend time with someone whose ties with other family members are so strong.

 We all look forward to seeing what the future holds for Sister Charlotte.  Her ability to lead, teach, support and help and her strong faith will serve as a blessing to other people as she enters new and challenging fields of ministry.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

HIGH POINTS OF 1991

 Mary Vickers continues to carry on Bennie's many acts of kindness.  She is there for so many of her neighbours and friends, always reaching out to be of assistance.  One might think she is the "taxi" for the people in her village.  Katherine is very much a part of Mary's life and brings lots of joy to Mary.

 Monica and Bill are spending their first winter in Florida.  Kingston, who is working in Calgary, will be with them for the festive season.  John is in Newcastle carrying on his work as a salesman.  Mary is working and studying French.  Kevin is still enjoying R.C.M.P. life and is studying a few courses at College; and William Jr. is still teaching up North.

 Mary and Gerald are off to Florida and from all reports are enjoying every minute of their stay.

 Burns and Peggie are staying close to home.  Burns is now President of the New Brunswick Baseball Association, and continues to make money for the Bathurst team. Congratulations are in order for Carol Ann; she graduated this month from the Bathurst School of Nursing.  Her next goal in life is to return to the Miramichim with Sandy.
 

Ž2Ž
 

 Marie is busy visiting the family.  Three daughter in Halifax, two sons in Ottawa, one daughter in Regina and one in Fredericton.  Charlotte is enrolled in the Masters program in Health Administration and is an A student, along with carrying on in the role of Director of Nursing at the Everett Chalmers Hospital.  Keith and Debbie are looking forward to a brother or sister for Chelsea.  Along with working, Keith too is taking courses.

 Albert Jr. and Sylvia continue to enjoy their retirement.  It was a real treat having both of them at our family reunion as well as Dustin.

 Ella and Blair are busy driving between Saint John and Lower Newcastle.  They are kept up to date on the happenings around and in Saint John as their family have so many contacts.  Phillip is in his first year of University and all are very proud of his accomplishments to date.  Patty and Scott are looking forward to a brother or sister for Blake.

 Helen and Gerald have some very quiet, peaceful moments as well as some hectic ones.  The family all have their own apartments, however, they are frequent visitors to 111ÒMeadow Bank at meal times and when Daniel, Adam and Benjamin visit.

 Paul is patiently awaiting his call to the R.C.M.P.  In September, he enrolled in the french program at St. Anne's, Digby, N.S.
 

Ž3Ž
 

 Karen returned in August from her year in England and will be returning in February to teach.  There is a special person, namely John, that is taking her to Dorset, England.  He will be arriving to spend Christmas with the Vickers'.  Needless to say, all are anxious to meet him.

 The Kachels are enjoying having Sister Charlotte in their vicinity.  Pleased to learn that Joan will be a grandmother.  Congratulations Shannon and Michael.

 Alberta, Phillip, Julie and Dennis continue to make an outstanding contribution to the Town of Dalhousie in providing A+ service from "Phillip's Mens Wear."  Dennis is enrolled in the Science program at the University of Moncton and is greatly missed by all his friends and family in Dalhousie.

 Sister Alice leaves on December 18 to spend the Christmas season with Sylvia and Albert Jr.  We will miss having her around, but know she will have a wonderful experience with family and friends.

 Sister Charlotte, what more can one say?  Delighted she is having time to experience the community at St. Mary's College.

  December 12, 1991
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Dear Folks:

 Sister Charlotte deserves a gold medal for her work in putting together this calendar over the years.  Sure hope you realize the work that goes into putting it all together.  Getting the addresses takes writing a letter, another letter, then finally a telephone call.  Don't think I am complaining, but I want you to know that it takes someone like Sister Charlotte, who realizes the importance of family, to make it happen!

 Our reunion date is July 18, 1992 Ž Bill's camp.  Mark your calendar now.

 May each and every one of you know the joy and wonder of the first holy Christmas.

  Love and prayers,
 
 
 

  Sister Margaret Vickers