Sister Joan Margaret Lanthier C.J.

LANTHIER, Sister Maria (Joan Margaret), CJ died peacefully at Presentation Manor on March 22, 2026. Sister Maria was in the 96th year of her life and 71 years as a member of the Congregation of Jesus (Loretto Sisters.) She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph Lanthier and Stella Moyle, her brother Jack, her sister Phyllis (Robinson), and brother-in-law Donald. She is survived by her brother Robert (Bob) and several nieces and nephews who all adored her.

Maria taught in Loretto High Schools in Toronto, Niagara Falls and Weyburn SK while completing her university studies. After serving as Dean at Loretto College, Toronto, her concern for adolescent girls led her to found a group home, Arrabon House, in 1973. Sister Maria also served as Director of Formation for her Loretto community, at the same time coordinating its Refugee Settlement work. In 1988 Maria began a new ministry with First Nations people in Sioux Lookout, Northern Ontario, focused on family life and parenting. From 1997 to 1999 she worked with Loretto Sisters in Cape Town, South Africa, in a ministry to young homeless mothers. In later years she continued her involvement in settling refugees, while also serving on the Boards of Catholic Crosscultural Services and Arrabon House. She was a strong advocate against human trafficking and in support of immigration reform and justice for First Nations peoples.

An accident in 2013 necessitated a move to Loretto Abbey and then to Presentation Manor in 2018.

Visitation at Presentation Manor chapel, 61 Fairfax Crescent, Scarborough, on Thursday March 26th, at 9:30 am followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am. Interment at Mount Hope Cemetery.