Sister Ida-de-Jésus

Sister Ida-de-Jésus (Marie-Luce Néron) was born on February 9, 1911, in the town of Saint-Urbain, Charlevoix. Her father was Philias Néron and her mother, Cédulie Guay. The fourth of eleven children in the family, she learned how to care for farm animals at an early age: rabbits, turkeys, horses, ducks, and sheep. After nearly twenty years looking after the farmyard animals, she was tasked with nighttime duties at the infirmary and reception. She died on October 23, 1990, at the convent’s infirmary.

The memory of this poultry-farming Sister lives on:

Preparations made, and despite concerns, we’re ready to expand the farmyard. Indeed, 1,000 one-day-old chicks are being delivered; it’s a difficult task because Sister Ida-de-Jésus’ replacement doesn’t yet understand how these chicks behave. Well! We shall study them. The poultry farmer, Lucien Boily, with advice from his aunt; both are ready to meet the challenge with their usual courage. And… God will surely do His part!

From the Annals of Saint-Joseph farm, January 16, 1957

Lucien Boily, poultry farmer from 1956 onward. SNDBC Archives