Sister Estelle Demers, 94, died on March 8th, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Why is this important for readers of the Boyle McCauley News? Estelle was a key member of the Boyle Street McCauley community from 1977 until 1985. She and three other Canadian Medical Mission Sisters came to Edmonton to support community initiatives around health needs.  Three were nurses with experiences in rural African communities. Estelle offered international experience with a broad, holistic understanding of health and culture. She was a creative risk-taker. 

The Sisters first spent time door-knocking and asking residents: what more was needed? A few years earlier, the Sisters of Providence had done the same, with a focus on the needs of isolated seniors in rooming houses. Those Sisters helped create Operation Friendship. Bissell Centre and Boyle Street Community Services already existed to support people. What was missing? 

People responded: “we need a community-based health centre!”  The word “community” was essential. This was not to be a health clinic. It was to be responsive to community health needs and operated by a community Board of Directors with a staff team of doctors, nurse practitioners, and community outreach workers. Estelle coached community residents to negotiate with politicians, funders, health administrators, academics, and community organizations to build a health centre uniquely suited for an inner city neighbourhood. 

Estelle trained neighbourhood residents in community leadership roles and board responsibilities so they could guide and govern the new health centre. One person who benefitted from her work was Bob McKeon, who became the first Board President. “Working with Estelle as a mentor made a huge difference in my community life and work that continues to this day. She helped us build skills and confidence to take on community initiatives and be able to go from a concept or community need to build a community organization that endures,” he recalls. The Boyle McCauley Health Centre first opened in 1980. Now named Radius Health, it has expanded beyond the borders of Boyle Street and McCauley.  

Other organizations can trace their strength to the mentoring offered by Estelle. Edmonton Inner City Housing, now the city-wide Right at Home Housing Society, was started and governed by McCauley residents. The Boyle McCauley News was founded in 1978 as a way to help bring neighbours closer together, stir community imagination, and communicate about community initiatives such as the emerging health centre. 

Stories published throughout 1979 kept readers informed. “Congratulations! Your efforts have been crowned with success. The Development Appeal Board has approved the building on the corner of 106 Avenue and 96 Street for the Boyle McCauley Health Centre. The health needs of the community were known for some years, the active lead was provided by the Medical Mission Sisters who deserve our special gratitude.”

Bob said, “Estelle was friendly, outgoing, engaging and hope-filled.” Her hope sustained organizations that endure, strengthening individuals and community.  

Kate Quinn lives in McCauley.