Sister Yvonne Billesberger, OSU
October 15, 1930 – July 14, 2025
Sister Yvonne Billesberger, OSU was born on October 15, 1930, at St. Michael’s Hospital in Cudworth, Saskatchewan. She was the third child of Henry and Anne (née Lambert) Billesberger and spent most of her formative years on the family farm east of Cudworth. Her early education began at the St. Benedict school. Determined to continue learning, she completed Grades 9 and 10 through correspondence and then attended the Ursuline Academy of Bruno for Grades 11 and 12. It was after graduating from the Academy that she felt called to religious life and made the decision to enter the convent in Bruno. On her 18th birthday, October 15, 1948, Sr. Yvonne began her postulancy with the Bruno Ursulines. She was invested on April 23, 1949, and made her final profession on May 8, 1954. Sr. Yvonne pursued teacher training at Normal School during 1951–1952, completing her practice teaching in Allan and at St. Paul’s Separate School in Saskatoon. Her first official teaching assignment came in the fall of 1952 at Bruno Public School. Over the years, she shared her gifts as an educator in several communities, including Lake Lenore, Humboldt, and Muenster. In 1964, Sr. Yvonne was appointed principal of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Surrey, British Columbia, where she served for five years. She returned to Saskatchewan in 1969 to complete her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Saskatchewan. Her commitment to lifelong learning led her to take a sabbatical in 1981–1982, during which she studied at Newman Theological College in St. Albert, Alberta. She returned to teaching for two more years at St. Augustine’s School in Humboldt before retiring from her educational career in 1984. After retiring from teaching in 1984, Sr. Yvonne continued her ministry in a new and meaningful way. She accepted the role of Religious Education Coordinator, a position she held for fourteen years. Residing in Humboldt, she faithfully commuted to the office in Muenster, dedicating herself to nurturing the spiritual formation of others across the region. In 1985, Sr. Yvonne was invited to accompany Sister Juliana Weber, the Bruno Superior, to an Ursuline gathering in Rome commemorating the 450th anniversary of the death of St. Angela Merici, foundress of the Ursulines. Before the meeting, they embarked on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land—an experience that deeply enriched Sr. Yvonne’s spiritual life. Their journey continued through Europe, visiting Ursuline communities in Cologne, Paris, Tours, and Brentwood, England, further strengthening her connection to the global Ursuline family. Sr. Yvonne retired from her role as Religious Education Coordinator in 1998, but her spirit of adventure and service remained strong. Later that year, from December 15, 1998, to February 24, 1999, she traveled to Sta. Rita, Brazil, to visit the Ursuline mission. Her time there left a profound impression on her, and she was deeply edified by the vibrant faith and resilience of the people she encountered. Following her return, Sr. Yvonne continued to serve the community by working at the Humboldt Resource Center until its closure by the Diocese in June 2013. In October 2014, Sr. Yvonne moved to Trinity Manor in Stonebridge, where she embraced a quieter chapter of life. In 2017, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Yet, her unwavering belief that “we are a Resurrection People” gave her strength and peace, allowing her to face health challenges with grace and courage. Her final days were spent at the Circle Drive Alliance Special Care Home. Sister Yvonne’s legacy is one of deep faith, tireless service, and a heart open to the world. Sr. Yvonne was predeceased by her parents, Henry and Anne (née Lambert) Billesberger; brother, Lambert (Jeanne) Billesberger; sisters: Betty (Ron) Resener and Donna (Ray) Freistadt; and sister-in-law Katherine Billesberger. She is survived by her Religious Community; her brothers: Gerry Billesberger and Dan (Katherine) Billesberger; nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and great-great nephews. The Mass of the Resurrection was held at St. Philip Neri Roman Catholic Church, Saskatoon, SK, Monday, July 21, 2025 at 10:30 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Doug Jeffrey. Others taking part were: Bernie Moellenbeck, cross bearer; Darby Freistadt and Sr. Marie Gorsalitz, scripture readers; Sr. Lenore Moldenhauer, responsorial psalm & gospel acclamation; Marcia Kugler, intentions; and Cyndi Cunanan and Cheryl Schmidt, gift bearers. Music ministry was provided by St. Philip Neri Parish Choir and Sr. Teresita Kambeitz. Active pallbearers were Darby Freistadt, Terrence Cunanan, Sean Freistadt, Richard Freistadt, John Van der Gracht, Audrey Van der Gracht. Interment was at Ursuline Cemetery, Bruno, SK.
This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral & Cremation Services - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)