Foundation
At the request of Bishop Lamenager, Bishop of Yarmouth, the RHSJ from Bathurst established a  nursing home in Yarmouth.  On October 9, three foundresses: Sisters Melanie Lavoie (Superior), Yvonne Hubert and Claudia Toussaint moved into the Evangeline, an old hotel bought by the diocese.
On April 1, 1960, Canadian Pacific put up for sale a luxury hotel at a very low price.  The Sisters thus acquired this ideal site.  In 1964 the Villa was already too small and the Congregation added another storey.
A Board of Administration was formed in 1965 and since December 1995, the CEO has been a lay person.
In 2008 the Province of Nova Scotia noted that Villa Saint Joseph du Lac no longer met the required norms.  New construction began in 2011.
The establishment is a member of Catholic Health International, Inc.

Mission
To be witnesses of a loving God in the care of the elderly.

Today
2 RHSJ are still present in Yarmouth and work in ministry with elderly persons.