In Memorium

They nurtured our spirits and gave us their courage.

As you read the memorials of women and men who served the United Church in Diaconal Ministry, you are invited to ponder their stories. Drink in their courage, their commitment, and their wisdom.  Let their lives and memories nurture your spirit.

In Memorium

A human life is holy,
for it comes from God
and it returns to God:
A human life is holy
in its becoming.
A human life is holy
in its living
And a human life is holy
in its dying

 

Carole Etzler’s song, “Standing Before Us” has often been sung at diaconal gatherings. The song invites us to appreciate and embody the wisdom we receive from the our elders who have gone before us. The third verse of the song reminds us that these forebears “nurtured our spirits” and “gave us their courage.” Through their witness we are made strong.

As you read the memorials of women and men who served the United Church in Diaconal Ministry, you are invited to ponder their stories. Drink in their courage, their commitment, and their wisdom.  Let their lives and memories nurture your spirit.

Longer biographies of women who entered the diaconate prior to 1980 are available at UCCDeaconessHistory.ca

Remembered

Each time DUCC meets, a time of worship names those who have died since DUCC last gathered. See below for biographies on the women and men who have been recently remembered. 

The following people will be remembered at the 2020 DUCC National Gathering:

Frances Clarke, July 5, 2018
Sharon Davis, July 26, 2017
Ruth (Peat) Robertson, June 3, 2017
Jessie MacLeod, May 3, 2018

PAST MEMORIAL PRESENTATIONS:

2018 National Gathering: To view the Memorial Service: Memorial Script and Memorial Slideshow (download and print the script which has the corresponding slide numbers for viewing the slideshow)

2017 National Gathering: o view the Memorial service: Memorial Script and Memorial Slideshow (download and print the script with the corresponding slide numbers for viewing the slideshow)

Our Community

In Memorium

Charles Boorman

In Memorium  Charles Frederick Boorman was born in 1923.  He was commissioned in 1978. During fifty years of social ministry in Hamilton, Charles began his work with the Salvation Army and then became part of the United Church of Canada.  He came to diaconal...

Mary Lou (Carter) Shorthill

Mary Lou (Carter) Shorthill

In Memorium  After many years as a public school teacher, Mary Lou began studies at the Centre for Christian Studies and was commissioned in 1995.  Her ministry was first in Stanstead Quebec, and later in congregations in Seaway Valley Presbytery.  She faithfully...

Sylvia (Reynolds) Thompson

Sylvia (Reynolds) Thompson

In Memorium  Sylvia Thompson’s ministry took place in many communities in Saskatchewan. Wherever she was in ministry she touched many lives and would build a supportive network of friends and colleagues.  And always, she offered her energy and resources...

Daphne Rogers

Daphne Rogers

In Memorium  The first thing you would notice about Daphne Rogers was her size.  Not even 5 feet tall, barely 100 pounds, she was small.  Next you would notice her smile: broad and frequent.  Daphne liked to laugh and enjoyed making others laugh.  After 36 years...

May Sanders

In Memorium  May Sanders, born in 1941 and originally from Dumfermline Scotland, began ministry as a diaconal minister in Bay of Quinte Conference, was designated in 1973, and after further study at Queen’s Theological School, she was ordained. May then moved to...

Betty (Bowman) Syer

Betty (Bowman) Syer

In Memorium  Betty Bowman Syer, first a deaconess in 1952, was disjoined a year later in 1953.  Thirty years later, after the age of retirement, Betty sought reinstatement.  Her identity as a Deaconess, in her opinion, remained with her throughout her productive...