Deal, Virginia (Catherine Lawrence), SC, died peacefully at Caritas Residence in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on November 11, 2026, at the age of 99.

Sister Virginia was born in Halifax on January 22, 1927, the youngest and proud to be the last surviving member of the sixteen children of Stanley and Gwendoline (Gough) Deal. She entered the Sisters of Charity on October 12, 1954, and made her first profession on April 21, 1957. She made her perpetual profession on August 15, 1963. Religious life was also a family tradition for Virginia, as two of her sisters, Nora Deal (Sister Louis Augustine) and Pauline Deal (Sister Agnes Pauline), also entered the Sisters of Charity, Halifax.

Before entering religious life, Sister Virginia gained experience in stenographic and secretarial work at the Royal Bank of Canada, as Secretary to the Manager. This early experience helped prepare her for the many responsibilities she would undertake throughout her religious life and service to the Congregation.

Sister Virginia devoted many years to education throughout her ministry. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Secretarial Studies in 1966 and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Alberta in 1968. She later took a study leave at the University of South Florida in 1977, completing additional courses in Economics and Communications.

She held a variety of teaching positions, including teaching Commercial Studies at the Air Force base in Bermuda (1959-1961) and Business Administration Technology at Dartmouth Vocational School (1969-1992), now Nova Scotia Community College. Teaching subjects such as Economics, and Communication, she combined her knowledge and professional experience to prepare students for their future careers.

Following her teaching career, Sister Virginia was appointed Provincial Vicar for the Congregation in Halifax, serving from 1992 to 1996. Her organizational abilities, attention to detail, and practical knowledge made her a valued contributor to the leadership and administration of the Sisters of Charity.

Retirement from teaching did not mean retirement from service. Following her term as Provincial Vicar, Sister Virginia enjoyed a sabbatical during which she visited Rome, the Holy Land, and the British Isles. She later settled in Porter’s Lake and continued to give generously of her time and talents.

From 1996 to 2003, she volunteered as working Treasurer for the Chezzetcook Harbour Rehabilitation Association. In this important role, she worked closely with municipal, provincial, and federal representatives, as well as environmental personnel, in support of the Association’s environmental rehabilitation work. Her commitment to helping others was also evident in her personal outreach. From 1998 to 2001, she assisted a parishioner recovering from a stroke, providing reading and speech therapy several mornings each week. In 2003, Sister Virginia retired from active ministry and moved to Caritas Residence, where she continued to live among her fellow Sisters of Charity.

We remember Sister Virginia with grateful hearts for her many years of faithful service, her professional dedication, and her willingness to share her knowledge and abilities wherever they were needed. An elegant and accomplished woman, Virginia carried herself with grace and a wonderful sense of propriety. Yet, behind her polished exterior was a delightful sense of humour and a warm, affectionate spirit. She loved a good laugh and, perhaps most of all, a good hug. Those who knew her will remember her for her sophistication, sharp wit, and the love she so generously shared.

Sister Virginia had a deep love of family and history. She especially enjoyed recounting stories of the past and researching family genealogy, with a particular interest in families of German ancestry in Nova Scotia. She took great pleasure in uncovering family connections, tracing histories, and sharing the stories that brought the past to life. May she now rest in the peace and comfort of God, reunited with the many family members who went before her.

In addition to her parents, Sister Virginia was predeceased by ten sisters: Carrie Duggan, Ellen Montgomery, Gwen Bradshaw, Margaret Bishop, Mary O’Flaherty, Sister Nora Deal, Alice Quaintance, Muriel Deal, Sister Pauline Deal, and Phyllis Mader, as well as five brothers: John, William, Phillip, Fritz, and Louis. She is survived by her many loving nieces and nephews, who will forever cherish her memory.

All funeral services will be held at the Immaculate Conception Chapel, Caritas Residence, on November 17, 2026. A Welcoming and Vigil service will begin at 9:30am, with the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am.

The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/event/6354284/2e5a1374b3?fl=so&fe=fs .

Burial will take place in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville, immediately following the Funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of Charity.