Sister Agnes McCrossin

Liturgy of Christian burial for the late Sister Agnes McCrossin, 93, formerly Sister Gabriel Marie, a Sister of St. Martha of Antigonish, was held December 7 in St. Martha Chapel, Martha Place, with Father Gary MacPherson officiating. Sister McCrossin died December 4, 2018, at Martha Place/Mary’s Court, Parkland Antigonish, in the 65th year of her religious life. Cross bearer at the funeral Mass was Sister Mary Beaton. Pall carrier was Frank Monahan. Readers were Sister Stella Chafe, Sister Mary Dolores Sogz and Sister Jovita MacPherson. Sister Madeleine LeBorgne and Anne Bryant presented the offertory gifts. Music was provided by cantor Sister Catherine Ann MacGillivray, pianist Sheila Redden, instrumentalist Sister Florence Kennedy and leader of song Sister Lillian Gaudet. Pallbearers were Michael Monahan, Paul Monahan, Wayne Farrell, Cyril Monahan, Gordon Gillis and Greg Gillis. Born in Cornhill, New Brunswick, Sister Agnes was one of six children of the late John and Ellen (Hanley) McCrossin. She entered the Sisters of St. Martha on August 15, 1951, pronounced her first vows on August 15, 1953, and her final vows on August 15, 1956. Her first ministry was in Bethany Infirmary from 1953- 1956. For the next 13 years, she ministered in housekeeping at St. Martha’s Convent, St. F.X. Campus, St. Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish and St. Augustine’s Seminary, Toronto. She served one year as homemaker at Villa Madonna, Bras d’Or, Cape Breton. Sister Agnes studied at St. F.X. University and obtained a BA in 1973 and a Bachelor of Education in 1977. Her service of teaching took her to Kamloops, British Columbia and Fort McMurray, Alberta. When she retired from teaching, she served as community leader and librarian at St. Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish. Prior to the move in March 2018 to Martha Place/Mary’s Court, she resided at Bethany and served in various ministries: group leader, switchboard operator, supervisor of dietary in extended care and librarian. Sister Agnes had spunk and determination. In more recent years, she always showed up for events and activities that were happening within community. She had a very generous spirit and was passionate about justice. She served on several committees and was especially committed to the CSM Social Justice Committee for many years. She was the last member of her immediate family. She is survived by nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three sisters, Josephine Monahan, Sister Mary Brendan (Rita) McCrossin, Sisters of the Good Shepherd; Sister Rita Marie (Mary) McCrossin, Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception; two brothers, Frank, John. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com