On Tuesday, August 13, Sr Thérèse Morneau (Marie Thérèse Augustin) Daughter of the Holy Spirit since 1945, returned to her Lord to claim her well-earned everlasting reward after 74 years of faithful service to his people.
Born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Marie Thérèse attended local schools and Putnam Catholic Academy and fell in love with the Daughters of the Holy Spirit and the prospect of being a teacher. She entered the Congregation in 1944 and made her first profession in Putnam at the Provincial House Chapel in 1945 and immediately embarked upon her life long career as teacher and administrator.
Sister Theresa, as she tended to be called, taught in several schools in Connecticut, Massachusetts and California. She made a mark wherever she went and to this day, former students tend to bow their heads when her name is mentioned. She had a strong positive impact on the lives of students and families especially through her years of service as teacher and principal at St. Mary School in Putnam.
Sister Morneau also rendered invaluable service to the DHS community as director of novices, vice provincial and local community coordinator.
She was also a gifted musician who was always willing to share her talent in church, school, community and beyond. Theresa livend many a gathering with her stories and songs and her contagious smile and her ongoing interest in many things. She will be missed sorely by those who knew and cherished her over the years.
Friends and family will gather to honor Sister on Monday, August 19 starting at 9 a.m. with the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 at St. Joseph Church 99 Jackson St. in Willimantic, CT.
A reception will follow the Mass and burial will be in St. Mary of the Visitation Cemetery on Providence Street in Putnam at 2:30 p.m.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Retirement Fund of the DHS and sent to the DHS Office of Development PO Box 479 Putnam, CT 06260.
For more information you may contact us at 860-928-0891 ext 148 or at devofdhs@yahoo.com.
Sr. Theresa, we wish you godspeed as we join you in singing to Mary your favorite hymn “Prends mon coeur, le voilà” (Here is my heart, take it). May you rest in eternal song and peace.
