July 14, 2000
Nunatsiaq News
IQALUIT — Sister Victorine Servant, better known to many Nunavut residents as "Sister Vicky," died Thursday, July 6 at the Grey Nuns’ Health Centre in Nicolet, Quebec after a difficult battle with cancer.
Sister Vicky, 66, served with the Grey Nuns in Chesterfield Inlet, Kugaaruk and Rankin Inlet for 34 years.
Between 1964 and 1969, she worked at the Turquetil Hall student hostel in Chesterfield Inlet, organizing arts and crafts, and recreation activities for students.
For the next seven years, Sister Vicky worked in Kugaaruk as the community’s only health worker, dispensing drugs and looking after the health needs of Pelly Bay residents by using radio to communicate with outside doctors.
Between 1977 and 2000, she served the people of Rankin Inlet by performing a variety of pastoral duties. This included home visits, training local people to teach religion classes, organizing numerous other activities for young people, preparing adults and youth for confirmation, preparing couples for marriage, and helping Father Georges Lorson prepare for the Sunday liturgy.
While in Rankin Inlet, Sister Vicky did out-reach work in Baker Lake, Whale Cove and Chesterfield Inlet, especially in the preparation of local religion teachers. She also served on Rankin Inlet’s interagency committee.
In her last days, Sister Vicky’s strongest wish was to get back to Rankin Inlet to say good-bye to her friends.
Sister Vicky’s passing will be marked at a memorial service this September in Rankin Inlet with Bishop Reynald Rouleau and Father Lorson.