Last night one of the founding members of St. Amant, a non-profit in Winnipeg that helps people with disabilities, passed away in her home.

Sister Rita Desrosiers, a member of the Grey Nuns of Manitoba, was fundamental in opening Winnipeg’s very first community residential program home in 1977.

She began her work supporting children with disabilities in 1956 at the Tache Hospital in St. Boniface, eventually opening what is now known as the St. Amant at 440 River Road three years later.

In 2005 Sister Rita Desrosiers wrote a book called Fond Memories of St. Amant about her experiences.

'Her faith, deep love for all people, and her belief that we all belong are at the heart of all we do," St. Amant says in a tweet.

The funeral for Sister Rita Desrosiers will take place on Monday at 151 Depins Street at 1 p.m. The organization at 440 River Road plans to host a celebration of her life at a later date.