Harriet Mary GALLANT

GALLANT, Sister Thomas Marie - 96, a Sister of Saint Martha of Antigonish, died at Bethany, the Motherhouse, on Saturday, March 1, 2008, in the 75th year of her religious life. Born in Inverness, and baptized Harriet Mary, she was the second youngest in a family of six. Sister was the daughter of the late Judge Thomas Gallant and Marie (Deveaux) Gallant. The family lived in Belle Cote, and later moved to Gravelbourg, Sask. Sister Thomas Marie entered the Sisters of Saint Martha on January 8, 1934, after having taught school for two years. She pronounced her first vows on August 24, 1935. In 1938 she pronounced her final vows and obtained her B.A. degree from St. Francis Xavier University. In 1940, she obtained the degree of Master of Science in Social Work from St. Louis University, St. Louis, Mo. Her first ministry was in medical records at St. Martha's Hospital, Antigonish, followed by twenty-seven years in social work in Family Service Agencies in Dominion, Sydney, Regina, New Waterford and Glace Bay. For nine years (1968-77), Sister Thomas served as medical social worker at St. Martha's Hospital, Antigonish. Sister Thomas returned to Bethany as the Congregation's first pension co-ordinator, serving in the capacity from 1977 to 1992. Sister continued being involved in some form of clerical work as a publisher of the community's own news magazine, The Bethanite, until January 1999. She served as a community leader in three of the communities in which she lived. In 2001, Sister Thomas moved into Bethany's Extended Care Unit, and remained there until her death. Sister Thomas Marie is the last surviving member of her family. She was predeceased by sisters, Ida Delaney and Helen Margaret; brothers, James Patrick, Daniel Wilfred, Joseph Anthony, and Timothy Joseph. She is survived by several nieces and nephews. The remains will be resting at Bethany beginning at 1:15 p.m. today, where a Celebration of Vigil will be held this evening at 7:30 p.m. Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 4, at 2 p.m. in Bethany Chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish. www.clcurry.com