Sister Mary Gabriel Bursaries

The Sister Mary Gabriel Bursaries are awarded to Prince Edward Island students enrolled in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Prince Edward Island. The awards recognize academic performance and financial need. Sister Mary Gabriel LeClair (1924-1994) was a graduate of the Charlottetown Hospital School of Nursing who entered the Sisters of St. Martha of Prince Edward Island in 1948. After studying Pediatrics at Toronto Sick Children's Hospital, she became Supervisor of Pediatrics at the Charlottetown Hospital and later became clinical supervisor at the Charlottetown and PEI Schools of Nursing. In 1973, Sister Mary Gabriel was appointed Director of the PEI School of Nursing, continuing in this capacity until her retirement in 1993. She worked tirelessly during the years leading to the creation of the nursing degree program at UPEI, ensuring that the nursing program would be established as a faculty or school rather than as a program within the science department. Sister Mary Gabriel had a great love of children and had an excellent ability to relate to them. She loved to teach and is also remembered for her love of art and ability to express herself through painting. She is remembered as a dedicated nurse-administrator, a devoted Sister of St. Martha, and a friend to many who was dearly loved by her family and congregation.