Marguerite Bourgeoys, (April 17, 1620 – January 12, 1700), was a French religious sister and the founder of the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal in what is now Québec, Canada. Born in Troyes, France, Bourgeoys began her ministry by assisting the poor outside the convent through a sodality. She was later invited by the governor of Montreal to establish a convent in New France, arriving at Fort Ville-Marie (present-day Montreal) in 1653. There, she founded a community dedicated to educating young girls, the poor, and First Nations children—a mission she continued until her death in 1700. Notably, Bourgeoys pioneered one of the first uncloistered religious communities in the Catholic Church. Recognized for her contributions, she was declared "venerable" by the pope in 1878 and canonized in 1982, becoming Canada’s first female saint.

Marguerite Bourgeoys - Wikipedia