Sister Gloria Cote
(Sr. Marie Lucille)
1927-2024
Sr. Gloria was a native of Mexico, ME. She loved her childhood near the Androscoggin River and was very close to her family. She was sure God called her to be a Sister of St. Chretienne despite a lifelong hearing problem. A devoted member of our congregation for 77 years, she served her Sisters as a cook in MA and RI with several years spent at the Academy in Salem. In more recent years, Gloria volunteered at Casa Esperanza in Houston TX caring for babies with HIV. Although this experience was brief, (1991-93), Gloria’s love for children later found a venue as she was ‘grandmother’ to the little children at Our Lady Preschool.For 35 years, our Marlboro community was home for Gloria. She helped her Sisters by driving, sewing and multiple fix-it projects. She loved gardening, and could be found even early in the morning filling her bird feeders. At Our Lady Thrift Shop, opened after our preschool had closed, Gloria found her niche in the ‘sorting room’. She was a cheerful and compassionate presence for the customers who were drawn by her smiling welcome.Sr. Gloria will be remembered for her quiet and loving service to others as the handmaid of the Lord. She was a woman of prayer with a special devotion to the Blessed Mother. She leaves us with the example of her constant gratefulness to God, in joy and suffering. Her prayer, “Sacred Heart of Jesus, take over my life this day!” has been fulfilled in Heaven.
Sister Jeannette Gonthier
(Sr. Marie Denis)
1926-2025
Sr. Jeannette was from Amesbury, MA from a large family from which four children would offer their lives to God—one priest and three Sisters, one of whom was Sr. Rachel, also a Sr. of St. Chretienne. Jeannette knew by second grade that she wanted to become a nun. She attended the Juniorate at St. Chretienne Academy, then the Novitiate in Canada, making her profession of vows in 1945.She taught for 33 years in parish schools in ME, RI and at the Academy in Salem where she was the Principal from 1967 to its closing in 1971. She then taught geometry at St. Dominic High in Lewiston ME where she enjoyed intercommunity living with Sisters of different congregations. Jeannette became a pastoral associate at St. Mary’s parish in Marlboro where she visited the elderly and the homebound. There she trained a group of parishioners to do home visits, the LOVE ministry.Jeannette served her Sisters in leadership as the Assistant Provincial residing in Wrentham, MA. In 1999, she went to Tampa, FL to do chaplaincy ministry at Rocky Creek Village with the retired residents.Sr. Jeannette was a woman of deep prayer, in love with her Lord and steeped in Scripture. She was close to her sister Rachel, and both Sisters were fervent members of our congregation. She leaves us the witness of her selfless dedication to God’s people. Her ardent desire for God to ‘come and get her’ was accomplished on January 10th.
ASSOCIATES
Pamela Braman
1944-2025
Pam met our Sisters in Newport in the early 80’s where she joined the women’s prayer group with her mother Helen. She always stayed close to us at Nazareth Center and had a special devotion to our African missions. Pam was very creative and loved nature; her expansive personality in tune with her ocean surroundings. She cared deeply for others and loved the spirituality at St. Chretienne. Her deep spirit of prayer, her generosity and her courage even in the face of much physical suffering have been an inspiration to us all through her life.
Mary Settle
1944-2025
Mary and her beloved husband Larry Settle were married in 1962 and made their home in Middletown RI. A woman of deep faith, Mary dedicated her life to her husband and four children. Her love for the Lord Jesus gave her solace and strength. She was close to our Sisters at Nazareth Center and became an Associate there, influencing her husband and their daughter Sharon to also become our Associates. Mary volunteered many hours in her parish of St. Lucy’s and loved to gather with Sr. Jacqueline Dickey and the South Shore Associates for faith sharing.
Irene DeLoura
1928-2024
Irene was born in Newport, RI where she and her loving husband George had three daughters. She became a devoted parishioner of St. Mary’s Church. She was a Eucharistic minister, bringing Communion to those at home and in nursing homes. Irene loved being our Associate, holding the many monthly gatherings in her home.
Margaret Murphy
1927-2025
Margaret was the beloved wife of Leo Murphy. They and their four children lived in Hudson, MA and were devoted parishioners of St. Michael’s Church. Margaret got to know our Sisters and joined our Marlboro Associate group. Through many years, she faithfully attended the monthly meetings and our many celebrations and reflection days. Her loving and prayerful sharing, often with a witty touch, brought us welcome insights.
Ruth Ann Rubman
1953-2024
Ruth Ann was a longtime Associate from the Lynn/Saugus area. She enjoyed attending the meetings and retreats. With Sr. Therese Marceau, she inspired her husband Ron to also become an Associate. She loved being with their daughters Karleen and Audra and their grandchildren. Last year Ruth Ann was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She carried this cross bravely, supported by her family’s utter devotion. After 47 years together, Ron now feels her loss deeply, but is supported both spiritually and emotionally by our St. Chretienne family of Sisters and Associates.