Sister Sandra Boyer CSJ (Sister St. Julia)
Sister Sandra was born on May 3, 1944, in Toronto. She was the daughter of the late Robert Lawrence Boyer and his wife Julia Macey. Sandra entered the Sisters of St. Joseph Community in Peterborough in 1962 and received the religious name of Sister St. Julia.
In her life of ministry, she was involved with food services at the Mount, personal support worker at Marycrest Home for the Aged, and registered nursing assistant duties at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Peterborough. She was assigned to Estevan, Saskatchewan where she worked in the Alcoholic Treatment Centre of St. Joseph’s Hospital. Sandra continued her education to become a Registered Nurse and ministered again in Peterborough, Estevan and Parry Sound, ON.
One of her beloved ministries was as the Director of Woodland Residence, a home for women in need of housing coming from Correctional Institutes. This Residence evolved to include patients and families dealing with Alzheimer disease, including weekend respite. The residents were dear to her heart. Sandra’s care for women, children and housing extended to her involvement on the Board of Kairos Homes in Peterborough.
Sister Sandra returned to live in Lindsay, renewing friendships and participating in the parish community life of St. Mary’s Church. Sandra was a welcoming listening presence wherever she went. Due to health issues she returned to the Mount in 2022 and assumed her roles in Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, Development and Peace, switchboard and Reception relief and champion Scrabble player. She will be remembered for her ability to care and reach out. She attended many Zoom calls and was always interested in supporting environmental causes. Her friendly outgoing manner endeared her to staff, Sisters, visitors and the “dear neighbour.”
Expressions of sympathy/donations in memory of Sr. Sandra are appreciated and can be made at www.cjcanada.org or Kairos Homes-Peterborough, Development and Peace or your favourite charity.