Youville, Marie Marguerite d' (1701–1771)
Youville, Marie Marguerite d' (1701–1771)
Canadian nun, founder and saint. Name variations: Marie Marguerite Dufrost de Lajemmerais, Marie-Marguerite d'Youville, Marie Margaret Dufrost de Lajemmerais d'Youville. Born Marie Marguerite Dufrost de Lajemmerais, Oct 15, 1701, in Varennes, Quebec, Canada; died Dec 23, 1771, in Montreal; dau. of Christophe Dufrost de Lajemmerais and Marie-Renée Gaultier; studied under Ursuline nuns (1711–1713); m. François-Madeleine d'Youville (gambler, bootlegger), 1722; children: 6 (only 2 sons survived and both became priests).
Grew up in poverty after losing father at 7; spent 2 years studying with Ursuline nuns in Quebec; married at 21 (1722), was widowed after unhappy marriage (1730); cleared husband's debts and supported 2 surviving sons by running small shop; devoted much time to Confraternity of Holy Family charitable activities; despite resistance from family and community, founded Sisters of Charity (Grey Nuns of Montreal) with 3 companions (1737), to care and advocate for poor; was asked to restore derelict Hôpital Général (1749) and opened refuge to the elderly, insane, incurable, foundlings, orphans and disabled soldiers; as mother superior of Grey Nuns, established schools, hospitals and orphanages throughout Canada, US, Africa and South America; was beatified by Pope John XXIII (1959) and canonized (1990), the 1st native Canadian to be elevated to sainthood.