Sister Anne Leonard, formerly Sister Mary Charles, returned to God October 25, 2024 at Chateau de Notre Dame Nursing Home, New Orleans, LA. Sister was 89 years old and was in her 69th year of her religious profession.
Sister Anne was born Anne Shirley Leonard on July 22, 1935 in Thibodaux, LA, the seventh of ten children of the late E. J. Leonard and Bertha Gaubert of Thibodaux, LA. Sister entered the Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in 1952 and made her first profession in 1955 and celebrated her 60th Jubilee in 2015. She attended Mount Carmel Academy in Thibodaux and received her undergraduate degree in Education from Loyola University in 1966. She went on to receive a master’s degree in business from the University of Notre Dame in 1972.
Sister Anne taught at Mount Carmel Elementary, Abbeville, LA and St. Dominic and St. James Major, New Orleans, LA. She served as treasurer of Cub Corner Preschool and Mount Carmel Academy, New Orleans, LA and at St. Augustine Seminary. She was financial officer for the Society of the Divine Word, Bay St. Louis, MS, business manager for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Kenner, LA, treasurer and coordinator of retired sisters at the Motherhouse in New Orleans, LA, treasurer and councilor for the Congregation in Lacombe, LA and business manager for Cub Corner Preschool as well as treasurer and calendar coordinator for St. Adele’s, Waveland, MS and a member of the Congregation Car Committee.
Sister Anne was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters: Sister Bertha Leonard, O. Carm., Sister Lucie Leonard, O. Carm. and Cecelia A. Richard of Thibodaux, LA and three brothers: Herman J., Francis L., and Donald R. Leonard. She is survived by two sisters: Lorraine F. Folse of Houma, LA and Miriam Esteve of Thibodaux, LA and one brother: Gerard Leonard of Lockport, LA.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, November 2 at Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home Chapel, 3827 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. with Rosary at 10:45 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Louis No. 3 Cemetery, 3421 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA. Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L, Notre Dame Seminary Rector will be the presider and homilist. Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home are entrusted with her funeral plans.
Sister Judith Hebert, O. Carm., a Sister of Mount Carmel, died June 26, 2024 at Eastridge Nursing Home, Abbeville, LA. She was 93 years old and in the 75th year of her religious profession.
Sister Judith Hebert, born Jeanette Mildred Hebert on May 7, 1931, was the eighth of nine children born to the late Isidore D. Hebert and Judith Landry of Abbeville. Sister Judith attended Perry Elementary, Perry, LA, Mount Carmel Elementary, Abbeville, LA, and Mount Carmel Academy, New Orleans, LA. Sister entered religious life in 1946 and professed first vows in 1949. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Loyola University, New Orleans and a master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana at Lafayette.) Sister celebrated her 70th Jubilee in 2019.
Sister Judith has ministered as an educator at St. Joseph the Worker, Marrero, LA, Mount Carmel, Thibodaux, LA, Mount Carmel, Lafayette, LA (now Cathedral-Carmel Elementary), serving as principal there from 1968-1978. From 1978-2017 at Mount Carmel Elementary, Abbeville, sister was classroom teacher, religion coordinator, and prayer moderator, where she spread the Carmelite charism among the children through scripture and prayer. Sister served as Eucharistic Minister at Eastridge Assisted Living Center and was a member of St. Mary Magdalen Church Choir, Abbeville, LA.
Sister was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters: Irene Broussard, Opal Ronsonet, Alice Motley, her twin sister Joan Eubank, and four brothers: Alison Hebert, Wilfred Hebert, Edvar Hebert, and Donald Hebert. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 300 Pere Megret St., Abbeville, LA at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. with Rosary at 10:15 a.m. Interment will follow in Demosthene Hebert Cemetery, Perry, LA. Reverend Daniel Picard will officiate the funeral Mass. Arrangements entrusted to Martin and Castille Funeral Home, Lafayette, LA.
Sister Alice Abate, O. Carm., a Sister of Mount Carmel, died July 14, 2023 at Our Lady of Wisdom Healthcare Center. She was 69 years old, and in the 32nd year of her religious profession.
Sister Alice Abate was born Sept. 15, 1953 in New Orleans, LA and is the second of two children born to the late Henry Joseph Abate of New Orleans, LA and Miriam Marie LeBlanc of New Orleans, LA. She entered the Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in 1988, made her first profession in 1991, and pronounced perpetual vows in 1996. She celebrated her 25th Jubilee in 2016.
Sister attended St. Catherine of Siena, Metairie, LA and St. Mary’s Dominican High School, New Orleans, LA. She studied Theology at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX and French at the Universite Paul Valery in Montpellier, France. Sister received a Bachelor of Science degree in French Education from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA and a master’s degree in Education in School Administration from the University of New Orleans. In 2016, she received a Master of Pastoral Studies from the Loyola Institute of Ministry Education, New Orleans.
Sister Alice taught at Brother Martin High School, New Orleans, E. D. White, Thibodaux, and Archbishop Rummel High School, Metairie, LA, was Director of Religious Education at St. Robert Bellarmine, Arabi, LA, Office Manager at Carmel in the Business District Preschool, and Executive Director of Cub Corner Child Care and Preschool, New Orleans, LA. Sister was on the SACS visiting committee and was instrumental in establishing the free middle school for at-risk girls at Henriette Delille School. She also served as the congregation’s vocation directress, coordinator of National Religious Vocation Conference, Deep South area, Motherhouse maintenance supervisor, co-editor of Contemplatives in Action, the Congregation’s triannual publication, was a member of the social media team, and Mission Effectiveness Representative, Thibodaux, LA.
Sister Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Joseph Abate and Miriam LeBlanc Abate. She is survived by her brother, Edward J. Abate of Metairie, LA and his wife Laurie Fontenelle Abate. She was the beloved aunt of Ashley Abate Witt (Michael), Andrew Abate (Ryoko), and Aileen Abate Acevedo (Raul) and great-aunt of Kristin, Alexander, and Ashton Witt, Keiko and Kai Abate, and Raul, Lillian, and Elizabeth Acevedo. She will also be missed by cousins and close friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home Chapel, 3827 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119 on Saturday, July 22, 2023. Visitation will be from at 9:00 a.m.-11 a.m. with Liturgy beginning at 11 a.m. followed by interment in St. Louis No. 3 Cemetery, 3421 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA.
Sister Odile Theriot, O. Carm., a Sister of Mount Carmel, died January 12, 2023 at Eastridge Nursing Home, Abbeville, LA. She was 91 years old and in the 72nd year of her religious profession. Sister Odile, born Mildred Marie, on September 23, 1931 in New Orleans, LA, was the first of two children born to the late Joseph S. Theriot of St. Martinville, LA and Odette Marie Jung of New Orleans, LA. She entered the Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Aug. 28, 1948, and received the habit of the Sisters of Mount Carmel on Aug. 3, 1949. On Aug. 2, 1951, she made her first profession, and pronounced perpetual vows Aug. 3, 1954. She celebrated her 70th Jubilee in 2021. Sister attended St. James Major Elementary and Mount Carmel Academy in New Orleans, LA. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette, LA and a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Nicholls State College, Thibodaux, LA in 1969. She was also certified in mathematics, chemistry, and general science.
Sister Odile taught at St. Dominic, New Orleans, Mount Carmel High School in New Iberia and Abbeville, E.D.White, Thibodaux and Vermilion Catholic High School, Abbeville, LA. In 1990 Sister received the Rev. Msgr. Henry C. Bezou Award for twenty-five years of service to Catholic education. Sister Odile served as treasurer of the Catholic Schools Association and served on the Archdiocesan School Board finance committee. From 1971-1991 she was principal of St. James Major High School. In 1991 a reception was held in her honor for her 20 years of service as principal. Many will remember Sister as their basketball coach in New Iberia where she brought many teams to state championships. She has served the congregation as coordinator of our retired sisters from 1991-1996 and worked at Mount Carmel Academy as supervisor of plant operations, maintenance, and special events from 1997-2005. Sister was the coordinator for our sisters living at St. Leo Convent, Lafayette, LA from 2005-2019 and at Presence Drive, Lafayette until 2022 when she moved to Eastridge Nursing Home, Abbeville, LA.
Sister was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Donald Theriot. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Mrs. Geraldine Theriot, Metairie, LA., niece, Karen Theriot Fenner, and nephew, Raymond Theriot, and several cousins. A Memorial Service will be celebrated at Martin Castille Funeral Home, 330 St. Landry Street, Lafayette, LA, 70506 on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 in La Chapelle de Martin & Castille. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. with a Memorial Service beginning at11:00 a.m. Father Harold Trahan will preside. Interment will be in St. Louis No. 3 Cemetery, 3421 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Father Patrick Williams will preside.
Sister Teresa Margaret Toups, O. Carm. returned to God October 25, 2022. She was 83 years old and in the 64th year of her religious profession.
Sister Teresa Margaret, born Geraldine Marie Toups in Maurice, LA on February 16, 1939, is the youngest of six children of the late Ernest Toups Sr. of Vermillion Parish, LA and Marie Simonia Toups of Youngsville, LA. She entered Carmel in 1955 and professed first vows in 1958. Sister attended Central Grammar Elementary and Mount Carmel in Lafayette, LA, and graduated from Mount Carmel Academy, New Orleans, LA. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from St. Mary’s Dominican College, New Orleans. Sister did post-graduate work at Notre Dame University, the University of Dayton, and Loyola University. She celebrated her 60th Jubilee in 2018.
Sister devoted 50 years to Catholic education teaching at St. Dominic and St. Louis King of France, New Orleans, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Westwego, LA, St. Joseph, Rayne Catholic Elementary, Rayne, LA, and Cathedral-Carmel Elementary, Lafayette, LA. She received the Diocesan Outstanding Teacher of the Year 1999-2000 when serving at Cathedral-Carmel. Sister Teresa Margaret served as a volunteer at Cathedral-Carmel Elementary in the art department until her retirement in 2018.
Sister was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, LouElla Toups and four brothers, Ernest, Jr., Ira Charles, Emick Paul, and Alvin James Toups, Sr. She is survived by nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on November 3, 2022 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 515 Cathedral Street, Lafayette, LA 70501. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. with Mass at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery, 410 Old Kaplan Hwy., Abbeville, LA 70510. Martin and Castille Funeral Home, Lafayette, LA have been entrusted with Sister’s arrangements.
Sister Maryphilip Surban returned to God September 26, 2022 in Balugo, Dumaguete City, Philippines. She was born Bernardina Surban in Calolbon, Catanduanes, Philippines, to the late Andres B. Surban and Carmen Soner. She has two sisters and seven brothers. She entered Carmel in January 18, 1960 and professed first vows in August 6, 1962. Sister Maryphilip finished elementary grades at Catanduanes College in Virac, Catanduanes and graduated from high school at Colegio de la Immaculada Concepcion in Cebu City, Philippines. She is a graduate of San Juan de Dios Hospital School of Nursing and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Cebu Velez College of Nursing. This year, 2022, is Sister Maryphilip’s 60th Jubilee year of vowed life.
Sister Maryphilip worked as the infirmary nurse at the Sisters of Mount Carmel Motherhouse, New Orleans, LA and in the healthcare ministry in Thibodaux, LA and New Orleans, and Mount Carmel Mobile Clinic and Holy Child Hospital, Dumaguete City, Philippines, ministries of the Sisters of Mount Carmel. She has also served as Philippine Regional Coordinator, postulant directress, formation team member, and as Canonical Novice Formator and Coordinator of the Novitiate House. She also served as local coordinator in Elijahn Community, Fairview, Quezon City and at Magnificat: Place of Prayer. Sister Maryphilip also served as School nurse consultant and member of the board at Sisters of Mount Carmel Catholic School, Fairview, Quezon City Philippines. In her retirement years, Sister served as resource person for formation, Prayer and Carmelite presence and resided at Magnificat: Place of Prayer, Balugo, Dumaguete City, Philippines until the time of her death.
Wake and visitation will be from September 27-30 at Magnificat: Place of Prayer with daily Masses. Funeral Mass will be October 1, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. at Mother of Perpetual Help Church, Balugo, Dumaguete City, Philippines followed by the rite of Christian burial at Dumaguete Memorial Park Cemetery, Dumaguete City, Philippines.
Sister Robert Joseph Mier, O. Carm., a Sister of Mount Carmel, died September 19, 2022 at Eastridge Nursing Home, Abbeville, LA. She was 92 years old, and in her 74th year of religious profession.
Sister Robert Joseph born Myrtis Mary Mier, on April 28, 1930 in Rayne, LA to Camile Mier and Edes Landry of Rayne, LA. She entered the Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on January 19, 1946 and received the habit of the Sisters of Mount Carmel August 2, 1946. On August 3, 1948, she made her first profession, and pronounced perpetual vows August 2, 1951. She celebrated her 70th jubilee in 2018.
Sister Robert Joseph attended St. Joseph School in Rayne, LA and graduated from Mount Carmel Academy, New Orleans, LA in 1947. She received a degree in Elementary Education from Loyola University, New Orleans, LA and a master’s degree in Special Education from Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee, WI.
Sister Robert Joseph began her teaching ministry at St. Joseph Ames in Westwego, LA. She went on to teach at St. James Major and St. Dominic, New Orleans, LA and St. Ann, Carencro, LA. Sister was one of three founding members of St. Michael’s Special School, New Orleans, LA where she taught for 40 years before retiring in May 2006. She was honored with a Mass and reception at St. Michael’s for her many years of service. During her 57 years of teaching, Sister Robert Joseph was recognized as a special teacher for special students. After Hurricane Katrina she moved to Lafayette, LA where she served as part-time teacher in the Department of Exceptional Children at Our Lady of Fatima School. Since 2011 sister has resided at Saint Leo Convent, Lafayette, LA, Evangeline Oaks Guest House, Carencro, LA, Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home, Opelousas, LA and Eastridge Nursing Home, Abbeville, LA.
Sister Robert Joseph was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Robert Joseph Mier and Camille Mier, Jr. and one sister, Sister Elsie Mier, O. Carm. She is survived by one brother, Richard Daniel Mier, New Richmond, WI and two sisters, Audrey Ann Darce, Lafayette, LA and Roberta Marie Guidry, Crowley, LA.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, October 1, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 401 S. Adams Avenue, Rayne, LA. Visitation will be held from 10:30-11:30 a.m., Rosary at 11:30 a.m. with Mass following at Noon. Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Rayne, LA. Arrangements entrusted to Martin & Castille Funeral Home, Lafayette, LA.
Sister Laura Melancon returned to God July 17, 2022. She was 87 years old and in the 69th year of her religious profession.
Sister Laura, born Dolores Cecile Melancon in Lafayette, LA on January 30, 1935, the only child of the late J. Vilmore Melancon of St. Martin Parish, LA and Mabel Connolly of Carencro, LA. She entered the Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Sept. 3, 1950 and received the habit on Aug. 2, 1951. On Aug. 3, 1953, she made her first profession, and pronounced perpetual vows Aug. 2, 1956. She celebrated her 60th Jubilee in 2013.
Sister attended Mount Carmel Elementary and Mount Carmel High School, Lafayette, LA. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Upper Elementary Education and a Master of Education degree in Administration and Supervision from Loyola University, New Orleans, LA. Sister also attended Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Mass. where she majored in Theology with a minor in Religious Education. She did post-graduate work at Regis College, Boston College, and St. Louis University.
Sister Laura devoted 53 years to Catholic education teaching at St. James Major and St. Dominic, New Orleans, LA; Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Westwego, LA; St. Louis King of France, Metairie, LA; Cathedral-Carmel, Lafayette, LA; Tuerlings Catholic, Lafayette, LA; and St. Joseph, Rayne, LA. Sister served as principal at Mount Carmel Elementary, Abbeville, LA; Cathedral-Carmel, Lafayette, LA; and St. Louis King of France, Metairie, LA. In 1978 she was selected as Teacher of the Year by the PI Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society. She has served as congregation formation director and taught at Notre Dame Seminary in 1987. In 2006 Sister Laura was honored by Cathedral-Carmel School at a Mass and reception recognizing her 20 years at the school. After retirement Sister ministered to the sick in St. Genevieve’s Parish, served as Spiritual Assistant to the Lay Carmelites, Lafayette, LA, and assisted with the Congregation Development Office.
Sister Laura was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by many cousins. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at St. Genevieve Catholic Church, 417 E. Simcoe St, Lafayette, LA. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. followed by Rosary at 10:30 a.m. with Mass to follow. Interment will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 29, 2022 at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, 3421 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, LA. Martin and Castille Funeral Home, Lafayette, LA has been entrusted with her arrangements.
Sister Leah Sellers, O. Carm., a Sister of Mount Carmel, died June 17, 2022 at Eastridge Nursing Home, Abbeville, LA. She was 83 years old and in the 65th year of her religious profession.
Sister Leah, formerly Sister Mary Alphonse, was born on January 9, 1939 in Abbeville, LA. She was the last of three children born to the late Alphonse J. “Sam” Sellers of Abbeville, LA and Nella DeRouen of Jefferson Island, LA. She entered the Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in 1954 and received the habit of the Sisters of Mount Carmel in 1955. On Aug. 1, 1957, she made her first profession, and pronounced perpetual vows in 1962. She celebrated her 60th Jubilee in 2017.
Sister attended Mount Carmel Elementary, Abbeville, LA and Mount Carmel High School, Abbeville, LA. She received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Loyola University, New Orleans, LA.
Sister Leah devoted 49 years to Catholic education. She served on faculties of Cathedral Carmel School, Lafayette, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Westwego, St. Louis King of France, Metairie, Mount Carmel, New Iberia, St. Joseph Elementary, Thibodaux, St. Dominic School, New Orleans, and Trinity Catholic School, St. Martinville, LA. She also served as principal at St. James Major Elementary in New Orleans and St. Joseph Elementary in Rayne, LA. Sister worked as Director of Religious Education at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Erath, LA, and as a full time teacher she started a literacy program at St. Martin Parish Correctional Center, Breaux Bridge. She also served as full-time teacher at St. Landry Parish Jail which, through the Diocese of Lafayette, started an Adult Basic Education Program. She volunteered at Pelican Point Nursing Home, Maurice, LA and she served as spiritual advisor to Lay Carmelites in Abbeville, LA.
Sister was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Loretta Faulk and brother, Paul Daniel Sellers. She is survived by nieces and nephews.
Services will be celebrated at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 300 Pere Megret Street, Abbeville, LA on Saturday, June 25, 2022. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Saint Paul Cemetery, 515 Jacqulyn St. Abbeville, LA. Arrangements entrusted to Martin & Castille Funeral Home, Lafayette, LA.
Sister Valerie Gros, O. Carm., a Sister of Mount Carmel, died April 7, 2022 at Lafon Nursing Facility, New Orleans, LA. She was 84 years old and in the 63rd year of her religious profession.
Sister Valerie, born Arline Marie Gros, on Nov. 26, 1937, the first of eight children born to the late Percy John Gros of Choupic, LA and Eula Mae Chiasson of Thibodaux, LA. She entered the Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Sept. 2, 1956 and received the habit of the Sisters of Mount Carmel on Aug. 5, 1959. Sister Valerie celebrated her 60th Jubilee in 2019. Sister attended Mount Carmel Elementary and Mount Carmel High, Thibodaux, LA. She received a bachelors degree in Education from Dominican College, New Orleans, LA and a masters degree in Education from San Carlos University, Cebu City, Philippines.
Sister Valerie began teaching in 1961 at St. Dominic, New Orleans, LA. She also taught at St. Joseph Elementary and Rayne Catholic Elementary, Rayne, LA, St. Euphrasia Elementary, Granada Hills, CA, Mount Carmel Elementary, Abbeville, LA, St. Columban’s Academy, Cauayan, Philippines, and Cathedral High, Dumaguete City, Philippines where she was principal. Sister also ministered as spiritual director at the Alpha Omega Institute, counselor at the Bonnabel Lodge, and part-time teacher at Hope House. Before retiring in 2014 Sister Valerie was Directress of Well Community Ministry since 2002.
Sister Valerie is survived by two sisters; Noella Landreneau of Thibodaux, LA and Linda Links of Huber Heights, OH and five brothers; Percy Gros of Fairborn, OH, and Louis L. Gros, Sr., Tommy R. Gros, Harley Gros, and Leo Gros of Thibodaux, LA.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home Chapel, 3827 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119, on Wednesday, April 13, 2022. Family viewing will begin at 9:30 a.m. Visitation will be from at 10-11 a.m. with Liturgy beginning at 11 a.m. followed by interment in St. Louis No. 3 Cemetery. A live stream viewing of her Mass can be seen by going to https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/.
Donations in memory of Sister Valerie can be made to the Sisters of Mount Carmel retirement fund.
Sister Fatima Mouton, O. Carm., a Sister of Mount Carmel died December 22, 2021 at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home in Opelousas, LA. She was 89 years old and in the 70th year of her religious profession.
Sister Fatima born Florence Ann on Nov. 8, 1932 in Lafayette, LA, was the last of ten children born to the late Rene Joseph Mouton and Elise P. Martin of Lafayette Parish, LA. She entered the Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Sept. 5, 1948 and received the habit of the Sisters of Mount Carmel on Aug. 3, 1949. On Aug. 2, 1951, she made her first profession, and pronounced perpetual vows Aug. 3, 1954. She celebrated her 70th Jubilee in 2021.
Sister Fatima attended Mount Carmel Elementary, Lafayette, LA and Mount Carmel Academy, New Orleans, LA. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Loyola University, New Orleans, LA in 1965. She did post graduate work in Theology at St. Thomas University in Houston, TX.
Sister Fatima devoted 45 years to Catholic education. She taught at St. Elizabeth, Paincourtville; Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Westwego; St. Augustine and St. Dominic, New Orleans; Mount Carmel Elementary, Abbeville; Rayne Catholic Elementary, Rayne; Cathedral-Carmel, Lafayette, all in LA, and St. Euphrasia, Granada Hills, CA. She also ministered in pastoral care, bereavement ministry and to the homebound in St. Mary Magdalen and St. Theresa Parishes in Abbeville. In Abbeville she served as spiritual assistant to Lay Carmelites. Sister Fatima served on the Deanery Council, the Elementary Education Committee, and the Congregation Formation Team. She received the Popeye’s Super Teacher Award in 1993, was honored by the Diocese of Lafayette for her ministry to the elderly in 2002, and was named volunteer of the year at Eastridge Nursing Center, Abbeville, LA in 2004 and 2006. She was also active in “Christian Life Group,” parish prayer and share groups’ results for parish renewal, the Parish Vocation Committee, and St. Mary Magdalen preparatory meeting for the Diocesan Synod. Sister Fatima retired in 2007 and at the time of her death was a resident at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home in Opelousas, LA.
Sister Fatima was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters: Marie L. Savoy and Anne Mathilde Olivier, and seven brothers: Alfred, Louis, Antoine, Locke, Claude, Ernest, and Marion. She is survived by nieces and nephews.
All services will be celebrated at St. Mary Magdelen Catholic Church, 300 Pere Megret Street, Abbeville, LA on December 29, 2021. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with Rosary at 11:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Noon. Interment will follow at St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery, 410 Old Kaplan Highway, Abbeville, LA. Arrangements were entrusted to Martin & Castille Funeral Home, Lafayette, LA.
Sister Germaine Lauzon, O. Carm., a Sister of Mount Carmel, died February 16, 2021 at Chateau de Notre Dame, New Orleans, LA. She was 85 years old, and in the 67th year of her religious profession.
Sister Germaine, born Marie Germaine Huguette Lauzon, was born on Nov. 20, 1935 in Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada to Gilbert Lauzon and Leopoldine Giroux, both of Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada. She entered the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa, Canada in 1952. She transferred to the Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in 1979. Sister celebrated her 60th Jubilee in 2014.
Sister Germaine graduated from Sacred Heart Convent in Hawkesbury, Ontario Canada. She went on to St. Joseph, St. Mary Dominican College where she received a B.S. in Education. At Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, TX she received her master’s degree in religious studies. She did post graduate work in theology at Tulane University, New Orleans, LA and in Library Science at University of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette, LA. Sister taught in Haverhill, MA and in Kaplan, Church Point, Lafayette, Abbeville, and Thibodaux LA. She served as principal at Maltrait Memorial School in Kaplan, LA and Assistant Principal at Cathedral-Carmel Elementary School in Lafayette, LA. At Cathedral-Carmel Sister served as Religion Department Chair, French Department Chair, and Curriculum Department Chair. For the Diocese of Lafayette she wrote Diocesan Guidelines and Policy for Sacramental Programs, Worship and Liturgy, was a diocesan consultant for Sadlier Company and chaired the Diocesan Evaluation of Cathedral-Carmel. At Mount Carmel Elementary in Abbeville, LA Sister served as Religion Department Chair and served on the Curriculum Committee. In 2003 she became Assistant Archivist for the congregation.
Sister Germaine was preceded in death by her parents, her step-mother, Gloria Gauthier Lauzon, her adoptive parents (aunt and uncle) Germaine Giroux and Charles Emile Fauteux, and her sister, Madeleine Ladouceur. She is survived by two brothers, Maurice Fauteux from Quebec, Canada and Alphonse Fauteux from Ontario, Canada, and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, February 27, 2021 at St. Pius X Church, 6666 Spanish Fort Boulevard, New Orleans, LA. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. with Mass at 11 a.m. followed by interment in St. Louis No. 3 Cemetery, 3421 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA. Very Rev. Patrick J. Williams will preside. Arrangements entrusted to Jacob Schoen and Son Funeral Home.
Sister Lee Ann Faszold, O. Carm., formerly Sister Mary Luke, a Sister of Mount Carmel died January 18, 2021 at Tulane University Medical Center. She was 95 years old and in the 61st year of her religious profession.
Sister Lee was born on July 26, 1925 in St. Louis, MO, the youngest of three children born to the late Oscar Matthew Faszold of Gray’s Summit, MO and Margaret Huebner of Jennings, MO. She entered the Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Oct. 5, 1957 and received the habit of the Sisters of Mount Carmel on Aug. 5, 1958. On Aug. 5, 1960, she made her first profession, and pronounced perpetual vows Aug. 5, 1965. She celebrated her 50th Jubilee in 2010 and due to COVID-19, was unable to celebrate her 60th in 2020.
Sister attended Mount Carmel Elementary and Hadley High School (now Vashon High School) in St. Louis, MO. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Dominican, New Orleans, a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Xavier, New Orleans, and a Master of Science degree in Mental Health from Tulane University, New Orleans, LA in 1973.
Devoting over 50 years to healthcare, Sister Lee worked as a nurse and educator at various hospitals in Louisiana including St. Joseph Hospital, Thibodaux, Touro Infirmary, DePaul Hospital, Charity Hospital School of Nursing instructor, Louisiana Medical Center, and Tulane Medical School, New Orleans, research nurse and instructor. Sister Lee was a family nurse practitioner and her specialized certified area was in Enterostomal Therapy which she practiced at Charity and Tulane Hospital. Sister served the congregation in the Motherhouse infirmary and as a healthcare assistant to the sisters in New Orleans, Welsh, and Lafayette. She did post graduate work at Yale, New Haven, CT, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, and at the Jewish Hospital of St. Louis. In 2013-2014 she served as a member of the St. Dominic Church Parish Council.
Sister Lee was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers: Joseph R. (Jerry) and Clement T. Faszold, and is survived by nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on January 30, 2021 at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 3368 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA. Visitation will be from 10-10:30 a.m. with Liturgy beginning at 10:30 a.m. followed by interment in St. Louis No. 3 Cemetery. Liturgy will be live streamed on the Sisters of Mount Carmel Facebook page. The wearing of masks and social distancing will be observed. Jacob Schoen and Son Funeral Home is entrusted with her arrangements.
Sister Monica Teves, O. Carm. returned to God November 18, 2020. She was 84 years old and in the 53rd year of her religious profession.
Sister Monica was born May 5, 1936 in Maslob, Sibulan, Negros Oriental to Pedro Teves, Sr. and Maria Dizon Teves. She entered the congregation in the United States in 1964 and professed vows in 1967. Sister celebrated her 50th Jubilee in 2017.
Sister Monica attended Dumaguete West Central Elementary and Negros Oriental High School, Dumaguete City, Philippines. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA. Sister taught at St. Dominic, New Orleans; Cathedral School, Dumaguete City; St. Columban School, Cauayan; and Flos Carmeli School in Quezon City. She had been missioned as a pastoral worker to Karomatan -Marawi Prelature and Dinalungan – Infanta Prelature. She was a volunteer catechist in San Luis, Aurora as her last mission. From 2018 until her death she resided at Magnificat Place of Prayer in Balugo, Philippines.
Sister Monica was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters: Liberata D. Abillana, Julieta D. Teves, and Milagros D. Agojo and two brothers: Pedro D. Teves and Benjamin D. Teves. She is survived by Ariston Teves.
Visitation was held Thursday, November 19 and Friday, November 20 until 6:00 p.m. at Magnificat Place of Prayer in Balugo, Dumaguete City. Mass of Christian Burial was presided by Most Rev. Bishop Julito B. Cortes on Saturday, November 21 at 7:00 a.m. at Magnificat Place of Prayer. Sister was interred at Memorial Park, Dumaguete, City.
Sister Catherine Martin, O. Carm. returned to God October 15, 2020. She was 85 years old and in the 68th year of her religious profession.
Sister Catherine Martin, O. Carm., formerly Sister Mary Anthony, was born in Lafayette and is the 5th of 5 children of the late Albert Anthony Martin of Paulina, LA and Mattie Mary LeBlanc of Smoke Bend, LA. She entered Carmel in 1949 and professed first vows in 1952. She celebrated her 60th Jubilee in 2012.
Sister Catherine attended Mount Carmel Elementary, Lafayette and Mount Carmel High School, New Orleans. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Loyola, New Orleans, LA. Sister Catherine did post graduate work at Nicholls University, Thibodaux, LA, University of Notre Dame, Indiana, University of Southwestern Louisiana (now ULL), Lafayette, LA, and took a photography correspondence course through the New York Institute of Photography. Sister taught at elementary schools in New Orleans, Lafayette, Marrero, Rayne, and Westwego. She also taught art and prayer for over 20 years to adults in Lacombe and beyond, and to children in summer programs in Lacombe. Many of her works were commissioned by family, friends, and the Congregation. Many of her artistic renditions graced Congregation publications, jubilee, and funeral programs. For many years she was commissioned to create and draw the Congregation General Chapter symbol representing the theme of each Chapter. Art awards were presented to her for Exceptional Draftsmanship for Mother Teresa Original Drawing, Lacombe Chamber of Commerce, and Acrylic Icon Michael Archangel, Northshore Art Exhibit at the Heart Hospital, Lacombe, LA. She served the Congregation as affiliate directress, temporary professed directress, vocation co-directress, was a council member from 1989 to 1997, Assistant to the President from 1993-1997, and Development Director from 2012-2013. Sister Catherine resided in Lafayette where she continued her art ministry and served as mission effectiveness representative at St. Joseph the Worker, Marrero while caring for her brother Joseph. She served as Spiritual Assistant to Lay Carmelites in Lacombe and on the Northshore. She retired in 2016 but remained active in her art ministry. From 2018 until her death she resided at Chateau de Notre Dame in New Orleans, LA.
Sister Catherine was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Joseph Albert Martin and Calvin Raymond Martin. She is survived by two sisters: Shirley Jaubert of Lafayette, LA and Joan “Cookie” Domingue of Lafayette, LA and nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held October 23, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Rita’s Church, 2729 Lowerline Street, New Orleans, LA followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at St. Louis Cemetery #3. Father Douglas Doussan will preside. Jacob Schoen and Son has been entrusted with her arrangements.
Sister Clare Cramer, O. Carm., a Sister of Mount Carmel, returned to God May 18, 2020. She was 83 years old and in the 62nd year of her religious profession.
Sister Clare, born Anna Marie Cramer in Crowley, LA, is the first of ten children of the late Jacob H.
Cramer of Roberts Cove, LA and Mary Magdalena Habetz of Crowley, LA. She entered the Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Sept. 4, 1955 and received the habit on Aug. 2, 1956. On Aug. 5, 1958, she made her first profession, and pronounced perpetual vows Aug. 5, 1963. She celebrated her 60th Jubilee in 2018.
Sister attended St. Leo Roberts Cove and St. Joseph Elementary and graduated valedictorian from St. Joseph High School, Rayne, LA. Sister received a bachelor of science in Secondary Education from St. Mary’s Dominican College, New Orleans, LA and a bachelor of science in Nursing from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA. Sister Clare taught at Mount Carmel Academy and St. James Major in New Orleans. After receiving her nursing degree in 1967, she worked in hospitals in Thibodaux and New Orleans and at Rayne Guest Home, Rayne, LA. Sister Clare ministered at Chateau de Notre Dame house as nursing service director and with the Lakeview Senior Adult Ministry (Ecumenical) in New Orleans as well as with the New Orleans Archdiocesan Social Apostolate at the Incarnate Word Senior Center. She served as Congregation infirmarian, St. Scholastica Priory infirmarian and St. Mary of the Pines Retirement Center Healthcare Coordinator in Chatawa, MS. Sister was also Chair of the Justice and Peace Fund Board and Mission Effectiveness Representative at Rayne Catholic Elementary. In 2001, Sister was recognized by Sally Ann Roberts on WWL-TV as a “Quiet Hero.” Sister Clare served as spiritual assistant to Lay Carmelites in Crowley and Rayne, LA and medical consultant and nurse for the Sisters, their families, and friends in Breaux Bridge, Rayne, Opelousas, Abbeville, and Lafayette.
Sister Clare was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Leonard Cramer and one sister, Alberta Hebert. She is survived by five sisters: Angelina Gonthier of Crowley, LA, Barbara DuBose of Lake Charles, LA, Bernadette Guidry (Douglas), Theresa Doucet, and Loretta Boudreaux (Glen) of Rayne, LA; sister-in-law Catherine Cramer, two brothers: Anthony Cramer (Rena) and Michael Cramer (Yvonne) of Rayne, LA, and 36 nieces and nephews, 94 great-nieces and nephews and 25 great-great nieces and nephews. An 11:00 A.M. Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 22, 2020, with interment at St. Joseph Cemetery, Rayne, LA. Reverend Brent L. Smith, Pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne, will conduct graveside services. Martin and Castille Funeral Home, Lafayette, LA has been entrusted with her arrangements.
Sister Christina Marie Griggs, a Sister of Mount Carmel, died April 12, 2020 at St. Agnes Healthcare and Rehab Center in Breaux Bridge, LA. She was 91 years old and in the 73rdyear of her religious profession. Sister Chris was born Mary Geraldine Griggs on March 10, 1929 in New Orleans, LA to George Clifford Griggs of Shreveport, LA and Mary Isabelle Deshotel of Opelousas, LA. She entered the Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Aug. 13, 1944, and received the habit of the Sisters of Mount Carmel Aug. 2, 1945. On Aug. 4, 1947 she made her first profession, and pronounced perpetual vows Aug. 3, 1950. She celebrated her 70th jubilee in 2017. Sister Chris graduated from Mount Carmel High School in Lafayette in 1946. She earned a Bachelors’ degree in Education from Loyola University, New Orleans in 1946 and a Masters of Education with a concentration in Home Economics from St. Louis University in Missouri in 1970. Sister Chris taught from 1947 to 1978 at parochial and Mount Carmel schools in Abbeville, New Iberia, Thibodaux, Westwego, LA and Mount Carmel Academy, New Orleans, LA. From 1979 – 1982 she served as religion coordinator for Cathedral-Carmel, Lafayette. She served as senior sisters’ coordinator at the Motherhouse in New Orleans, as Pastoral Associate at St. Joseph Church in Ville Platte, LA, Associate Provincial Directress of Lay Carmelites in Aylesford, IL and was Director of Programs at the Carmelite Spirituality Center, Lacombe, LA. Since 2010 she served as assistant in the care of the congregation’s elderly sisters in Carencro and Lafayette, visited the homebound, and was Spiritual Assistant to Lay Carmelites at St. Joseph’s in Rayne, LA until 2016 when she moved to Evangeline Oaks Guest House, Carencro, LA, and to Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home in Opelousas, LA. In 2017, until her death, she resided at St. Agnes Healthcare and Rehab Center in Breaux Bridge, LA. Sister Chris was selected as Outstanding Secondary Teacher in 1975 and received the Martin Luther King, Jr. award during her ministry in Ville Platte, LA. Sister Chris, the sixth of nine children, was preceded in death by her parents, George Clifford Griggs and Mary Isabelle Deshotel Griggs, sisters Lelia Annie Tanner and Stella Virginia Martin and three brothers Henry Octave Griggs, George C. Griggs, Jr. and Fred Ivy Griggs. She is survived by two sisters Shirley Rose Bailey of Lutz, FL. and Rita Catherine Lanier of Denham Springs, LA., one brother John Christopher Griggs (Cassie) of Walker, LA and brother-in-law James Martin (husband of Stella Virginia) of Cecilia, LA. Interment will be in the Sisters of Mount Carmel tomb at St. Joseph Cemetery, 401 S. Adams Avenue, Rayne, LA 70578. Members of the immediate family are invited. Father Eddie Martin, Sister Chris’ nephew from St. Aloysius Church, Baton Rouge, LA will preside at the interment services. Martin and Castille Funeral Home, Lafayette, LA is entrusted with her arrangements.
Sister Margaret Safford, O. Carm., a Sister of Mount Carmel died November 4, 2018, at Our Lady of Wisdom Healthcare Center, New Orleans, LA. She was 86 years old and in the 66th year of her religious profession.Sister Margaret, formerly Sister M. Sidney, was born Hilda Margaret Safford, on July 14, 1932 to James Clarence Safford of Montrose, PA and Hilda Levert of Mark, LA. She entered the Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Sept. 4, 1949, and received the habit of the Sisters of Mount Carmel on Aug. 3, 1950. On Aug. 4, 1952 she made her first profession, and pronounced perpetual vows Aug. 3, 1955. She celebrated her 60th Jubiliee in 2012. Sister attended Mount Carmel Elementary and High School in Lafayette, LA. She received a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Loyola University, New Orleans with General Science as her major field and a master’s degree in Education and a minor in Administration from St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO and a second master’s in Pastoral Studies from Loyola, Chicago, IL. Her post graduate work included: Theology at St. Mary’s University and Regis College, Creativity and Contemplation at Notre Dame University, and Program for Spiritual Directors, Archdiocesan Spirituality Center, New Orleans, LA. Sister Margaret served for over 25 years in Catholic education teaching at Mount Carmel schools in Thibodaux, Abbeville, and New Orleans and at Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Westwego, LA, St. James Major, New Orleans, LA, and Vermillion Catholic, Abbeville, LA, where she was also principal from 1966-1977. She has also served as president and assistant to the president of the congregation, an adult educator at Hope House, manager and spiritual director of Blessing Place (now the Carmelite Spirituality Center) and pastoral minister at St. Margaret’s Daughter’s Nursing Home. In 2005 Sister Margaret returned to the Carmelite Sprituality Center as assistant to the director and served until 2015. Sister Margaret, the third of five children was preceded in death by her parents and her brother James Clarence Safford, Jr. She is survived by three sisters, Mary Lou Begnaud of Natchitoches, LA, Alice Robertson of Indialantic, FL, and Alma Yvonne “Bebe” Ebel, New Iberia, LA.
Sister Rose Marie Penouilh, O. Carm., a Sister of Mount Carmel, died Saturday, August 25, 2018 at Our Lady of Wisdom Healthcare Center. She was 88 years old and in the 71st year of her religious profession. Sister Rose Marie born Betty Nell on Nov. 21, 1929 in New Orleans, LA was the first of five children born to the late Percy Antoine Penouilh of Matthews, LA and Arada Ruth Lea of Kentwood, LA. She entered the Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Sept. 4, 1944 and received the habit of the Sisters of Mount Carmel on Aug. 2, 1945. On Aug. 4, 1947, she made her first profession, and pronounced perpetual vows Aug. 2, 1951. She celebrated her 70th Jubilee in 2017. Sister Rose Marie attended Jefferson Davis Elementary and Mount Carmel Academy, New Orleans, LA. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Loyola University, New Orleans, LA and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision in 1955. She pursued post graduate work in science, physics, chemistry, math, guidance, library science and computers. Devoting 38 years to teaching in Catholic schools in Louisiana, Sister Rose Marie has taught at St. Dominic, New Orleans; Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Westwego, St. Joseph the Worker, Marrero; and E.D. White, Thibodaux. In addition to teaching she served as principal at St. Joseph the Worker, Marrero; Mount Carmel, New Iberia; and Vermillion Catholic High School, Abbeville, LA. She taught physics at Loyola University in 1965, was Principal of the Year in the Diocese of Lafayette in 1969 and received the 1990 Volunteer of the Year in St. Tammany Parish for her work with the Slidell Unit Boys Club. In 2012 she was honored with the Mount Carmel Academy Alumna of the Year Award. Sister Rose Marie served the congregation as Assistant General from 1973-1977, Congregation Secretary from 1985-1993, Congregation President from 1993-2001, and as Professional Development Coordinator at Mount Carmel Academy, New Orleans, LA from 2001-2002. Since 2002 Sister Rose Marie served as an Administrative Assistant at Mount Carmel Academy and resided at the Motherhouse, New Orleans, LA. Sister Rose was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters: Ruth Penouilh, Barbara Davis, and Elaine Penouilh, and one brother: Percy “Sonny” Penouilh, Jr. She is survived by her brother-in-law Sidney Davis, from Alabama, and by nieces and nephews.