Sr. Alice Konefall

May 7, 1942 – July 21, 2023

Without any warning, Sister Alice left us for her eternal home! She died suddenly on Friday, July 21, 2023 at St. Boniface Hospital. She is survived by her nephews, Shawn Scallen (Sarah Brown), Craig Scallen (Jessica) and great-nephew Noah, cousins, members of her religious community and a multitude of friends! She was predeceased by her parents, John Konefall and Pauline Braschuk, and her older sister, Margaret. She was very proud of her Ukrainian heritage. She will be dearly missed! May she rest in God!

Alice was born in Steinbach, Manitoba in 1942 and graduated from St. Mary’s Academy, Winnipeg in 1960 where she made many lasting friends. She was multi-talented and got involved in sports, developing her leadership skills as president of the Athletic Club. She completed several years of musical training that served her well in her later years of ministry. Alice entered the novitiate of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary in 1960, made her first profession in 1962, and her final vows in 1967. Sr. Alice was a generous contributor to the life and mission of the congregation, exercising her gift of hospitality and advocating for a better world. She served on the community’s Justice and Peace Committee/Network for several years and on the Provincial Administration Team from 2016-2019. Sisters and Associates appreciated her presence, her visits and her acknowledgments of their accomplishments.

Sister Alice pursued her studies at the University of Manitoba where she obtained her B.A. and B.Ed. degrees. Later she completed a M.A. in Counselling at Loyola University in Chicago. She was a teacher, counselor at St. Mary’s Academy and St. Boniface High School, and principal at Holy Cross School. As an educator, she recognized the value of extra-curricular activities. For some years, she was responsible for the Athletic Club, and later, mentored students in the Christian Life Community.

After serving in educational institutions for over 20 years, she went on to many years of Pastoral Ministry. Parishioners of St. Gerard’s, Christ the King and St. Ann’s Parishes greatly appreciated her leadership and her supportive and affirming presence. She continued to be a loyal member of Holy Rosary Parish until her death.

Since 2014, she resided and ministered at West End Commons where she contributed to community building by welcoming newcomers, listening to them and advocating for them; organizing musical, artistic or play activities with children and their parents; sharing in the life of the community and participating in outreach activities.

Sr. Alice had a wide range of interests and concerns. She appreciated music and was happy to share her concert tickets. She advocated for refugees and people who live in poverty. Relationships were most important to her. She shared the journey with many friends; and acquaintances easily became friends. During her 60 years of ministry, she worked in inter-cultural and multi-faith settings and was committed to healing and reconciliation with First Nations Peoples.