In Memory of Sister Marie Bernadette

Funeral Mass

If you were unable to join us on Tuesday and would like to see the video of the Mass, you can do so at:

https://www.facebook.com/scmc.baltic/videos/2446939035473980/

We will add it below as soon as we are able to.  Thank you and God bless you!

Sister Marie Bernadette Garceau, 90, Sister of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church, entered eternal life on March 16, 2023 at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity in Baltic CT.

Sister was born in Willimantic, CT on February 6, 1933, the daughter of the late Ovila and Rhea (Lajeunesse) Garceau. She entered Religious Life on October 22, 1950 and professed perpetual vows in 1955.

After earning degrees in education, Sister taught first grade for nearly seventy years, in New Hampshire, Minnesota, Willimantic, Taftville, Old Saybrook and Baltic. She was dearly loved by her students. She retired to the health center at Holy Family Motherhouse where she spent her last years prayerfully and joyfully involved in the lives of her Sisters. She enjoyed hearing about her relatives and former students, especially those who had entered the priesthood and consecrated life. 

Besides her Sisters of Charity, Sister Bernadette is survived by her sister Agnes McTott, and her many loving nieces and nephews and their extended families. Sister taught a number of them in elementary school and was active in their lives growing up in Willimantic.  During her years in Minnesota Sister enjoyed close friendships with the Sisters and families of her students there, friendships which have endured to the present. Sister will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Sister was predeceased by her sisters Marie, Viola, Lorraine, Lucille and Ann Marie, and her brothers Roland, Edmond, Arthur, Louis, Walter, and Robert.

A  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by her nephew Rev. Hildebrand Garceau, O. Praem. at Holy Family Motherhouse on Tuesday, March 21 at 3:30 p.m. with burial following in St. Mary Cemetery, Baltic.

  

Visitation will be at the Motherhouse Chapel from 2-5 p.m. on Monday, March 20, and on Tuesday, March 21 from 1:30 until the time of the funeral. Guillot Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.

7 Responses

  1. She was such a sweet and loving lady. I remember her thoughtfulness and gentleness with the first graders she taught. I believe my GD was in the last first grade class she taught. It will take a big presence to fill the void she leaves. My sympathies to all affected.

  2. Sr. Bernadette was my aunt. I live in California and had planned to visit in April and was hoping to see her. My father Arthur was her brother. Sr. Was my first grade teacher. She spent a lot of time at our home on holidays, Sundays etc.
    I hadn’t seen her since my father passed away… since I live so far away but we exchanged Christmas cards and I enjoyed hearing from her. I’m sad that I didn’t get a chance to see her but I’m happy for her that she has received her eternal reward and is with Jesus. 💛

  3. I had Sister as my first grade teacher in 1992. She was patient, loving, and kind to all her students. She will be missed!

  4. Sister Bernadette was a wonderful beautiful soul. Everytime I saw her, she smiled so bright. She was my Mother’s favorite Aunt. I know that she was welcomed by our loving God. I will miss her loving smile and great advice.

  5. “Aunt” Sister Bernadette was an example of love and kindness in my life . I remember her being a part of my family life as my father, Walter Garceau, was her brother and doted on her. We were lucky to have her in our home for many special occasions. I live in South Carolina now, and was unable to make her services. But I am proud to have raised my son, Andrew, to value special family members like her and as a result, he attended her services at the Baltic convent. I am glad our dear Aunt / Sister is now in heaven with her brothers and sisters who predeceased her. God Bless you, Sister Bernadette.

  6. I remember Sister Bernadette for her kindness and patience with her first graders at SMSJ in Willimantic. I am glad to have worked with her.

  7. Sister Bernadette was my first grade teacher in 2000. I have fond memories of her classroom, particularly of her showing us the Nativity Scene around Christmas time and taking her time to tell us about each figure and it’s significance. She was a teacher whom children both had fun talking to and knew they could trust because of her gentle ways. I remember her smiling face. May she rest in God’s eternal light!

Leave a Reply to Karen Garceau Parks Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

“With Mary, our lives continually proclaim the greatness of the Lord and the joy experienced in rendering service to Him.”

Holy Rule

Make a difference today ~ help us reach those in need!