Sister Grace Sauvé, CSJ

Sister Grace Sauvé, CSJ (formerly Sister M. Frances) died peacefully at Sisters of St. Joseph Residence, 2 O’Connor Drive, Toronto, Ontario on Monday, July 28, 2025 in the 77th year of her religious life.

She was predeceased by her parents, Lloyd George Sauvé and Kathleen (née Shipman) Sauvé, her sisters, Patricia, Mary (Harrison), Carole, and her brothers: Robert, Donald, Tony, Paul, Joseph, Bernie, and Jim Sauvé. She will be sadly missed by her sisters-in-law Maureen and MaryLu, her cousins, along with many nieces and nephews, friends, professional colleagues, CSJ Associates and her Sisters in community.

Sister Grace was raised in Mimico, Ontario, and lived in St. Leo’s Parish. Following high school graduation from St. Joseph’s College School, she joined the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto in September 1947. Known as Sister Frances, she attended the University of Toronto and graduated with a B.Sc. (Pharm) in 1957, winning the Gold Medal for Hospital Pharmacy Administration. As Director of Pharmaceutical Services at St. Joseph’s Health Centre for 27 years, Sister Grace introduced a number of innovations to improve patient care.

Sister Grace contributed to the health care profession in a variety of ways: through the publication of articles in pharmacy journals and serving on a number of elected and appointed boards for the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists (C.S.H.P.). Her outstanding contribution to her field of expertise was recognized when she was awarded the C.S.H.P. Distinguished Service Award in 1984.

After a year of study in Rome, Sister Grace left hospital pharmacy for congregational service in 1981 and initiated the staff mission education program at St. Joseph’s Health Centre. She pursued further theological studies at Regis College, University of Toronto, and obtained a Masters in Theological Studies in 1990. She served in a variety of roles within the congregation including formation, local and congregational service, director of CSJ Associate Program, spiritual director, congregational annalist and historian. Sister Grace’s creativity in art was shared as a facilitator in the contemplative art retreat offered over the years.

Sister Grace’s health declined gradually and loss of sight and loss of hearing made life difficult for her. She died peacefully at the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence where she had been receiving excellent nursing care.

Visitation will take place at the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence 2 O'Connor Drive, Toronto

on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 2:00 - 4:30 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 2:00 p.m. Visitation from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 1, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel, 2 O'Connor Drive, Toronto, Ontario

The funeral Mass will be livestreamed at https://csj-to.ca/funeralservice/.

Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph Ministries 101 Thorncliffe Park Drive, Toronto ON M4H 1M2