Sr. Jeanne Girardin
(Sr. Marie Victoria)
1931-2026
Born in Rumford, ME, Jeanne attended St. John parish school with our Sisters. She followed her sister Gertrude as a Sister of St. Chretienne, pronouncing her vows in 1950.
In 1961, she was missioned to serve the Cree people in northern Alberta, again joining Gertrude there. Jeanne was very devoted to the children, teaching and later doing pastoral work with adults. In 1976, Sr. Jeanne became a chaplain in Manchester, NH at the Catholic Medical Center, also giving spirituality sessions at Joseph House.
In her retirement years in Marlborough, Jeanne volunteered at the Addiction Referral Center as a gentle affirming presence.
Jeanne was deeply spiritual, her days wrapped in prayer, simplicity and care for the Lord’s suffering people. Now she is held in God’s tender embrace forever.
Sr. Arlene Legere
(Sr. Marie-Marguerite)
1933-2026
Born in Mexico ME, Arlene had a happy childhood, and attended the parish school, St. Theresa, with our Sisters. She went through the Juniorate program at St. Chretienne Academy and, having felt God’s call, went to the Novitiate, and pronounced her first vows on August 15, 1952.
Arlene had a 50 year teaching ministry in parish schools in Salem, Pawtucket RI and at the Academy. In 1972, she went to Lewiston ME where for 32 years, she taught at St. Dominic Regional High and Holy Cross Junior High. She was greatly appreciated by her students.
In 2004, Arlene moved to our retirement community in Marlborough, but she still volunteered at the local Catholic school where she made long-lasting friendships. In these last five years, at Alliance Health at Marie Esther, Arlene spent her time praying, reading and living a quiet life. Following a brief illness, she offered her life to God who brought her to heaven on February 28th.
ASSOCIATES
Kathleen (Callahan) Levy
1937-2026
Kathleen was born and raised in Salem, a graduate of St. Chretienne Academy. Despite cerebral palsy, she lived a full life. She married her beloved husband Paul, living happily for 17 years. She had a long career at the Salem Registry of Deeds.
Her deep faith led her to teach in her parish RCIA program.
She was our faithful Associate for many years, hosting the North Shore group at her home.
Despite her illness, Kathleen never complained and spent herself caring for others. She is now fully alive in her heavenly Home.
Judith (Cowey) Leys
1929-2026
Judith (Judy) was born in Middletown, RI, raising seven children with her husband David. She was devoted to her parish church of St. Mary’s in Newport. Judy first came to our Nazareth House many years ago as a member of the women’s prayer group, later becoming an Associate. She loved the retreats at Miramar in Duxbury and the monthly Associate gatherings in Newport. Her time of illness has now opened into the Lord’s glory.
Gloria (Pelletier) Theophelakes
1938-2026
Born in Salem, MA, Gloria graduated from St. Chretienne Academy, joining the Sisters’ congregation. In 1976, she felt called to secular life, marrying Arthur in 1981. She served as Director of Religious Education in various parishes, especially at Our Lady of the Mountains in Conway, NH. Gloria kept in touch with the Sisters, becoming an Associate after her husband’s death. Suffering from a serious medical condition, she came to Marie Esther in Marlborough. Happy to be with the Sisters, she offered her life to the Lord and was called Home on March 5, 2026.