CHRISTMAS
WISHES FROM THE SISTERS 2005
Amid
the bustle and hustle of the Christmas
season – shopping,
trimming
the tree,
decorating the
house, it’s
easy to
lose sight of the
true
meaning of this
special time of
year.
It is a time to count our
blessings…for
our health,
our
family, our friends
and the
privilege
of doing meaningful
work year
round.
realize
we no
longer would have
Bill with us,
a man of
great faith, who
was
known as
Governor to most of us?
His concern
for each
one of us and for
the poor is
the
wonderful legacy he
left
with us.
Another true gentlemen was
called to his
eternal
home in the person
of Fred
Walter, family
and his community
too will sadly
miss
him.
I was about to write a “Christmas Blessings”
however
discovered one of Joyce Rupp and
it
conveys all I
wish to relate.
May you give and receive love generously.
May this love
echo in
your heart like the
joy of church
bells on
a clear December day.
May each person who comes into your
life be
greeted as
another Christ. May the
honor given
the Babe
of
that which you
extend
to every guest who
enters your
presence.
May the hope of this sacred season settle
in your soul.
May it
be a foundation of courage
for you
when
times of distress occupy your
inner land.
May the wonder and awe that fills the eyes
of
children be
awakened within you. May
it lead
you to
renewed awareness and
appreciation
of
whatever you too easily
take for
granted.
May the bonds of love for one another
be
strengthened
as you gather with your
family and
friends
around the table of
festivity and
nourishment.
May you daily open the gift of your life
and be
grateful for
the hidden treasures
it
contains.
for
you.
May you have energy and vitality.
May you care
well for
your body, mind and spirit.
May
you keep the eye on the Star within you
and trust this
Luminescent Presence to guide
and direct you
each
day.
May you go often to the
and visit the One who
offers you Peace. May you
bring this
peace into
our World.
One
of the facilities of
Fahrni Pavilion and I am the
The Sisters Association of the
Archdioceses is very active and I
chair the Justice
Peace and Integrity of Creation
Committee.
We have a number of Associates which I
very much enjoy working with
throughout the
year.
The
Future Planning Committee for our
Community takes me to Saint John from
time to time through out the year, which
gives me an opportunity to visit with family and friends.
My
wish for you is that you will
experience an abundance
of God’s peace and love throughout the Christmas Season
and every day of the New Year.
In
Christ,
Margaret
Mary
continues to be busy, quilting
in the winter,
enjoying her beautiful cottage in the summer, which has
the most magnificent view of any cottage in Utopia. She is
very generous in sharing her time and gifts with her friends,
many a trip she makes to
appointments and shopping. We are always delighted to have
her at her gatherings.
Judy
is an extremely busy lady,
teaching school, driving
education and nursing on the weekends.
Kelly
and Fred are enjoying life,
Kelly working part time,
Fred driving his truck across Canada and U.S.A, from
time to time Kelly takes a ride with him. Golf is a top priority
in their household. Catherine is enjoying her studies at the
visitors from her home base.
Wendell
stops in occasionally to see
his Mum when his business brings him to N.B.
THE
WILLIAM VICKERS’
On
behalf of everyone in my family, I
like to wish
all our relatives and friends a Merry Christmas
and the very best in 2006! We’re coping well with
the loss of our Father and want to thank one in all
with the support we received. Dad has certainly left
a mark with all of us. Many of you who read this,
will remember how he affected you in some way.
Mary
Gill best described him at a
family reunion
in Nowlanville in the early seventies; “The one
that gives and never counts the cost. “ As his
siblings, we knew he volunteered his services on
the Miramichi. I remember so many early mornings
while loading up my truck; he too, would be loading
up the station wagon and taking his own personal
milk run. Families who couldn’t afford to put
food on their own tables were often surprised to
see dairy products on their doorsteps. But just how
much he gave to the under privileged wasn’t truly
clear to us until last February. So many people,
who we never met before, explained to us on how
our Dad helped them in some way. Just last
summer while I was eating a steak on the
barbeque, my Mother mentioned she found
a receipt of a side of beef which dad bought
last fall. However, only a quarter of that side
of beef managed to arrive home. Ironically,
while celebrating his 70th birthday, Uncle
Junior asked Dad what he would change in
his life if he had a chance to go back and do
it again. He hesitated for a second and said,
“I would have helped the poor more.”
Mother
is well and busy as always. I
often call
home and she would be out picking blueberries,
playing bridge or at a book club. Mother and I put
over 3000kms on the new car this past summer.
Our goal was to try the seafood chowder from all
the restaurants along the coast of
It was so much fun walking the trails and boardwalks
along the
Sisters, Uncle Gerald and Kathy at a summer cottage
in
where John,
Mary
and Ed Rawlinson have an empty
house this
fall. Amy has joined her sister Erin and cousin
Laura at
to work with Social Services and Edward the
would want me to announce that she turned the big
50 this past June. As in most summers, Ed can
be found in your nearest Triathlon. The girls
enjoy their visits home from M. A.
Kevin
and Ann Vickers and their children Andrew
and Laura are well. After 25 years with the RCMP
Kevin has officially retired. He is now head of
security of the Parliament buildings and the
Prime Ministers residence in
floats from the Miramichi to
also be found berry picking with Mother.
Andrew is attending
College
for
John
Vickers is a busy man on
He initiated and organized a Victoria Ball to raise
funds for UNICEF. This Black Tie event was a
great success, which included the Victoria Symphony
and national Artists. In the same month he had
thousands of citizens from
areas come and tour his Pumpkin Art at
Government House. Again, all proceeds from his
Artwork will go to UNICEF. At times CBC Newsworld
and CTV Newsnet will use his Artwork during
commercial breaks in the latter part of October.
He is to be congratulated as he raised in the vicinity
of $15,000 for his Charity. Besides this, John finds
the time to manage his own business, Bay Systems,
which uses smart Technology for new homes.
In my youth it was quoted that our “Uncle Burns
knows everybody and everybody knows Burns
Vickers.” In the years to come I‘m sure this
will be said about my brother John.
I’m
officially in the North 20 years
as of August.
I still love teaching and spend my time in my kayak
n the summer months and on the squash courts
throughout winter. This past summer I did a part
of the
I found a beautiful small
It was a good location as we were at least 2 kms
from shore in all directions. The Tundra is the home
of the Barren ground Grizzly, so this
However, we woke up on Day 4 of our trip with
high winds and large swells on the river. Day 5 and 6
were actually windier. So on Day 7 I called Air Tindi
to come and get us. It was a let down not to finish
what we set out to do but being on the Barrenlands
is truly amazing.
working in sales for a German firm and at the same
time studying for his MBA.
great host to me as well as all of us when we visit.
My sister Mary loves to travel with
he goes on business adventures across the state.
As I mentioned, along with Mother, John and I
will spend Christmas with him.
Once
again, thanks for all the
support you have
given us this past year. Our prayers are with
Dad along with Uncles Bennie, Allan and Junior.
Merry
Christmas
THE
GILLS
Mary
continues to reside at the
Billings Court
Personal Care Home in Burlington,
about a 5-minute drive from Colleen’s house. Her mind
and memory are as sharp as ever. She had a
number of relatives drop by to see her when they
were in the
enjoyed the time she spent with each of the visitors.
She welcomes phone calls and letters from relatives.
She can be reached at 905-634-3197 or by mail at
Colleen
retired from teaching this
past year and she,
Ed and Paul moved into a new home in downtown
walk from
of the city. Paul graduates from high school this coming June.
Barry
continues to
work for Purolator in
and his son Andrew works in
his son Geoff traveled to Winnipeg to celebrate
Thanksgiving with Gerard, Maria and family this year.
Pat Gill and Denise and Evan also joined them on that day.
Gerard
returned to teaching after 11
years as a
school administrator, and is enjoying his liberation
from the tyranny of paperwork and administrivia.
Gerard and Maria were able to connect with a few
relatives this past year. In January, they spent an
enjoyable few days in
Scott Hammond and their children Carolyn, Natalie
and Elizabeth while Gerard was at a conference in the
area. In July, Gerard and Maria were pleased to be
able to connect with John Vickers for lunch in
In August, Gerard traveled to
mother and Colleen and Ed and family, and also in
August, Gerard and his son Michael spent four days
in
Michael graduates from high school this coming June.
THE BURNS VICKERS’
Burns
and Peggy have had an exciting
and
adventurous year. In the spring they sold
their house in
Miramichi. Peggy does miss her house in
extra attention from her girls.
Talk
about
movers and shakers! Carol-Ann
and Sandy also moved to the Miramichi and
sold their property in
residing in the
I hear Todd has found someone special on the
to visit Pam and Joey in
Emma
Jane and Frankie have welcomed
the
extra family on the Miramichi with open arms.
They have been busy helping Burns and Peggy
settle in to their new home. Laura May and DJ have
had an addition to the family (new puppy Molly).
Claire has purchased a new home in Rothesay,
where she lives with her two sons Patrick and
Sean. She is working to help the children
adjust to their new life and continues to build
a career with NB Power
Betty
and her girls still reside on
the Miramichi.
Tila is teaching full time and keeps
on it toes in the summer. Allison is working on her
Masters; looks like we have a new Scholar in the
family. No one knows why Betty won’t sleep at
the cottage anymore, but my spidey senses are tingling.
How long will it take her to see the light and
move to the Miramichi?? Josh is living in
his home and
Maurina
and Randy have been in one
place for
almost two years.
them. Promises have been made to Jillian to
stay until she graduates in 2009. Will they be
able to stay still that long?
Joan
and Tony are piling up the air
miles flying
between
taken him to the west coast temporarily and we
will see what happens in 2006. David is still in college
and Daniel keeps his parents busy as an active teenager.
Co-Author
~ Maurina
THE ALLAN VICKERS’
It
was great to have the opportunity
to host Mom during
her visit here to Ottawa that was full of family, BBQ`s and
celebration.
wonderful event. It was great to host both sides of the family.
Everybody
knows Debbie has the gift
of gab and now
she can do it both official languages.
Keith
keeps his eye on the Prize and
has spent
over a month in Miramichi rounding up support
for his campaign to run when his MP steps down.
Ashley
is next -so prepare yourself
Allan
is in honour band playing his
trumpet.
He has also taken to the electric guitar and
continues his piano studies. He also started playing
football and enjoys his hockey as well.
It
was great to see Pauline in June!
Gorgeous as ever.
Keith
saw Richard, Carolyn, Cindy and
Jocelyn
in Miramichi. Richard blew through
for a stop over on his way to
It was great to see him.
Carolyn
is constantly upgrading her
credentials
and is always the number one caregiver in the eyes of the kids.
Charlotte
and John are proud of
Jeffrey’s ingenuity.
The new entrepreneur has more business than he
ever imagined and the
John
continues to be busy selling lots
of Co-op
Products- wouldn’t Uncle Bill be proud.
Barbara,
Rick, Mathew and Garrett
have been to
hell and back but all the family, prayers and
support have made us all realize we are never
far away from each other.
Garrett
is a strong young man and we
are all proud of him.
Eileen
and Kevin will never be
finished traveling.
London, Paris, Ireland, Sweden, Alaska, and
We
have had the pleasure of having
Jake for a
week in the spring. He also loves to travel.
Karla
continues to dance as fast as
she can- attending
University, working at a law firm, and teaching dance
classes - a multi-tasker extraordinaire!
Bruce
and John visited us in October
while
John participated in the National Chess Championship
representing
Jamie
Lynn continues her studies and
athletics in
St. Catherine’s.
Ashley
is in grade twelve and is
giving thoughts to
University and future endeavors.
Albert
is inundated with work,
expanding and training
new workers for the new gold discoveries in
Martha continues to break new ground with her health
practice as a Nurse Practitioner. Ensuring the people of
the
ensuring the Conservative NB government that Nurse
Practitioners are a cost saving alternative to a family doctor
is another battle. The family is very busy and continues
to settle into their beautiful new home, set back from
the road and within the trees, it is a retreat from the
world Living outside of
Riding of Miramichi -for now. The past summer
has kept the girls busy with Emma bringing in metals
with her competitive
with her clarinet at Music Camp. Music continues to
be a strong part of the family with weekly piano lessons
and choir practices. The family has become very
involved with Martha’s yearly Christmas concerts.
Co-Author
~ Keith
THE ALBERT VICKERS’ JR
There
have been many changes within
our family
over the last year. It
is with
great sadness and excitement
that we report that Mom has
sold her
house and will soon
move into an assisted living
facility
in early December.
Deborah
and Bill's daughter Tracey
has successfully
completed her Bachelor's of
education,
and received
a permanent
full-time teaching job at a beautiful
school teaching grade 2. We
thank God
for this wonderful
opportunity. Tracey
and her
fiancé Shane Dupuis have
announced that their
wedding will
take place in
July 7, 2007. Uncle Gerald we
are
saving a table
for you and Aunt Helen :)
Kellie is
completing her
Honours degree in Social Work
and will
be graduating
in the upcoming June.
She hopes
to work within
the area of palliative care.
Diane
and Bill Pepper married on
Viva
after 32 years and is
currently working
in a small
office environment. Diane's
son Dustin
is currently
in teachers college and he is
recently
engaged
to his longtime girlfriend
Karin Isley.
He plans to marry Aug 25/2007.
Darryl
and Sharon's daughter Jamie
graduated
with her Masters in
Marine
Biology, from
degree and is applying to
Teachers
College in the
fall. She is engaged to
Derek
McGuire and is planning
to get married October
2007.
Donna
continues with her challenging
Social Work.
In early fall she visited
Miramichi. Ella was her
companion while
in N.B. She
was welcomed with open arms
and
everyone enjoyed
having her. In Donna’s words
I had a
fantastic time.
This
year we were blessed with a
visit from both Sister
Margaret and Sister
Charlotte. They
brought a lot of
life back to a very quite
house. We
can't look at a cinnabon
without thinking of them.
They also
proved to have a
lucky streak with big
wins at the
Casino/Raceway...Go sisters Go!!
They also shopped until they
dropped
for an outfit
for Sister Margaret's 50th
Celebration.
We look
forward to seeing you both
again soon.
Deborah,
Diane and Donna went up to
visit Aunt Mary; we had a
delightful
visit and reminisced
about Dad. It was nice to see
her.
Co-Author
~ Debra
THE
MEAHANS
Ella
is celebrating her 75th
birthday this year.
We’ll all be taking her out, as usual. Too bad
Junior’s Donna won’t be here to make the margueritas.
We enjoyed her visit this summer.
Mary
is still busy with hockey, even
though the boys
no longer play. Katie is doing hockey and ballet…
quite a combination.
Margie
traveled to Stellarton, NS for
Adam’s wedding
to Michelle Avery. Adam and Michelle have bought a
house in
Robert has signed up for the military.
Noreen
just got her Real Estate
License.
Michael is finishing up a Business degree at UNBSJ.
Patty
is involved with sports
too—hockey for Blake
and swimming for Rebecca. She is still teaching in
Kathy’s
Olivia started ballet this
year and was pleased
to see her cousin Jimmy’s daughter, Emily, in the same
ballet class. Samantha is working on her next level of swimming.
Joan’s
Vicky now has a license to
teach in
and
Jack
moved in with his caregiver,
Jerry, who just bought a
new house with a big yard. It is located close to Ella’s and
practically next door to the Fire Station. Good choice.
Ed
hosted the girl’s and Ella at
Mary’s 50th birthday last year
in Hamilton and we’re hoping he will make it home for Mom’s
75th this year…but if not, maybe we’ll see him at
Christmas.
Joe
is working at Nova Scotia
Education and Development
and doesn’t get home too often; however, when Margie
was walking through King’s Square this summer, she ran into
him with 10 of his clients. He had decided to take them to
even though the Department had cut this from their budget!
He is dedicated.
Phil’s
Kelsey started walking and
Riley started
kindergarten. Phil takes all three to Sunday School
and started teaching catechism when he saw there
was a need for teachers.
Co-Author
~ Margaret
Manager at
was time for her to enrich her spiritual life. It was
with a heavy heart she made the decision, as she loved
setting out for her ministry each day.
During
her years in
these positions she accomplished
much in particular for the comfort and safety of the
sisters. With the help of other sisters, the
Motherhouse face was change somewhat:
the front entrance area was re-organized
and the front doors changed, the Art and
Heritage Rooms dressed up, a number of
bed rooms enlarged thus providing space
for bath rooms, small tables purchased
for the Dining Area., an alarm system
installed throughout the building. The
Apartments at
at all time, which was often a challenge
to know which individual to accept.
She created Manuals in relation to
renovations, purchases and major events.
Co-Author
~ Margaret
This
coming year
as a SCIC. Also it is 30 years since she
was diagnosed with rheumatic arthritis.
It has been a challenging year as her
knees and shoulders have been giving
her more of a problem but it does not
inhibit her in anyway when she has a
goal to achieve.
As
I look over the past year I am
heartened by her courage in her continuing
to spent time at our cottages and
family homes, knowing she is missing
the comfort of the nurses and her own bed.
Ella,
our nieces and her many friends
ensure she has lots of diversion. Just
ask
in
one of
appreciates the drives through out
the countryside. Carl, the house
schofar is always available to
take her to the Library where she
can spend many an hour browsing
through the newspaper and picking
up her favorite book. Larry King
is still on her agenda but American
Politics is less interesting for
her since Bill Clinton is no longer President.
Co-Author
~ Margaret
THE
GERALD VICKERS'
Life
continues to be very busy in our
branch
of the Vickers family. Dad is working hard
at his camp at MacDonald’s Point and we’re
all enjoying the beautiful scenery and great
swimming. Mom and Dad’s door (and fridge!)
are always open for members of our extended
family. There is rarely a dull moment, with
so many grandchildren around.
Anne
and Dan seem to go from one
sporting
event to another. Daniel is in mechanical
engineering at UNB Fredericton, Ben is
playing Bantam AAA hockey and Adam
is enjoying grade 12. Danny began his
new job as Executive Director or the
Heart and Stroke Foundation for New
Brunswick on Dec.1, and Anne continues
to work at Ruth Ross.
Kathy
is enjoying her position as a
social
worker affiliated with our local schools,
but has caught the travel bug, and plans
o take a leave of absence and spend next
year working as a social worker in
southern England.
Emily is in grade four and keeps her parents
busy with dance, drama and music lessons.
Nora has accepted a new position this year
with the Dept of Health and Wellness as
Director of Community Mental Health Services,
for the
to keep taxpayers in line at Canada
Revenue Agency. All three of them
look forward to lots of snow this
year so they can enjoy the slopes
at
Paul and Ginny are on the beautiful
island of Arachat, off the coast of
Breton
Sergeant in charge of
Ginny is kept very busy with the activities
of Thomas, 4, and
are enjoying school, preschool,
swimming and skating.
Jon
and I are busy chasing our two
very active three year olds, Ellie and
Gerry. Jon has a year off next year
on the
deferred salary plan. We plan to
rent out our house and spend a
year in
can spend some time with the British side
of their family.
Hope
everyone has a
wonderful Christmas.
We all look forward to hearing all your news.
Co-Author
~ Karen
I’m
sure you are all well. As for me,
my health is good. I continue to walk
daily. Also, as you know, I keep busy
with my jobs.
My
trip home this summer was
particularly
special. It was great to have some special
time with Mary—coming and going.
She is very keen and enjoyed seeing photos
of my trip on my return. She has a strong
interest in the Miramichi, a lot like Dad—
knows the exact names and dates of people
and events. It’s always nice to spend time
with Ed and Colleen. We shared some very
good times together. Stopping at the
Abuds—five of us sisters—we had some
wonderful fellowship over teas, wines
and delicious meals. I admire Philip
who is such a survivor. Also spent
short but quality time with Burns, Peggy,
and Monica. The primary reason for
my trip was to attend my 50th high school
(St. Michael’s Academy) reunion.
They kept us busy for three days with
one event after another. It was so good
to see how well my classmates were doing.
I continue to remember even now
their love and wonderful spirits. I
was driven from the reunion to
Gerald and Helen’s. Their family,
Ella, and Mary (Benny’s wife) held a
very nice dinner for me.
Michael,
Irene, Carli and Andrew are
doing well. They moved into a beautiful
, new, larger home in July. Michael and
Irene are both working for mortgage
companies. Michael’s family and I make
a point of getting together from time
to time over meals. Carli is 13 (March 16th)
and continues to excel in school and
sports. She is doing so well at sports that
she is the starter catcher for the
16-years-and-under All-Star Team in her city.
Andrew also loves sports. He is very
creative in many areas. He is 4
(December 24th) and attends pre-school.
Kelli,
Scott, Caroline, Elizabeth
(Ella)
and Natalie are doing well. I try to
visit them in
3 or 4 times a year. We go on nice
outings each time I visit: once we
lunched at the Carolina Inn, and
another time we spent a week on the
Outer Banks of
on the Outer Banks was exceptional.
Kelli and Scott rented a house. We
spent time fishing, on the beach, visiting
historical places, and running away
from Ophalia. Yes, we have our own
hurricane story this year. We were
forced to leave in a hurry because
the police notified us that we had
to evacuate within an hour. The
winds were already heavy and the
only way to get off the island is
by ferry. Ophalia hit the next day.
Kelli
is a stay-at-home mom.
Scott is flourishing in his job at
a laboratory that deals with gene
and cancer research. This year he
co-authored an article published
in the New York Times. With a
houseful of girls, you can imagine
there is a lot of talking going on.
Caroline is 4 (January 1st), and
Elizabeth and Natalie are 3
(September 24th). Caroline is in
pre-school. She is a great reader
and very much the big sister.
Natalie loves her books.
All three are in ballet.
BREAKING
NEWS!! – The AMERICANS are
COMING! Since my 70th birthday is in 2007,
Michael, Kelli, their families, and I
will be crossing the border northward
to invade Vickers’ territory in August 2007.
THE
ABUDS
Believe
or not
reducing their stock in the Store and
are carrying mostly “Work Clothes”
and consider themselves semi-retired.
Their 15 apartments keep them on
the hop thus no dull moments in
their house.
Dennis
has the franchisee for the
Jean Coutu Pharmacy in
when he is not playing Golf is
reflecting how he can expand the business.
He is no stranger to field of business
and thrives on visioning as to the
future of this lucrative field.
We are all proud when we see the
name “DENNIS ABUD” hanging
outside his building. He has frequent
visitors from
home in
endeavors and achievements as well
as to give advice.
Julie,
Hamud and Sahra are in
and from time to time have opportunities
to visit other countries; their most
recent visit was to
employed by Alcan and has a very demanding
position but all three are enjoying their
new experience. Sahra is all of three
years, and is able to speak fluently in
English and French is picking up
Spanish and other languages. She is
able to talk on the telephone and
tell her grand parents all about the
happenings in her world.
the family and this coming year will be
receiving the “BIG GOVERNMENT CHEQUE’
thus we are all creeping up and more
than ever must realize the importance
of prayer in our lives. Alberta told me
this joke that her parish priest related
to them at Mass, he was expounding
that no one knows what prayer is or
what is a Novena. “ A man confessed
to the priest he had stolen a load of
lumber, the priest replied for that you
will have to make a “Novena” the man
replied you find the land, I have the Lumber.
Hope you folks all know what a Novena is…
Co-Author
-