Sr. Cecile Charette

Sr. Cecile Charette, 96 years young and a Sister of Holy Cross for 77 years, died October 26, 2016 at the Holy Cross Health Center in Manchester NH. Born October 15, 1920 in Lowell, MA, Cecile was the second daughter of the late Arthur J. and Eva M. (Croteau) Charette.
Cecile graduated in 1938 from Our Lady of Angels Academy in Saint-Laurent, Quebec, Canada where her love of and giftedness for music was cultivated. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees in music from the University of Montreal.
Cecile entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Holy Cross in Saint-Laurent in 1939, and became a beloved educator and professor of music. For 23 years she taught music, especially voice and violin, while also serving as director of the choir in the School of Music and Basile Moreau College in Canada. Driven by her deep interest in the cultures of the world she also organized folk dancing groups at her alma mater Our Lady of Angels Academy. In 1962 she was transferred to Notre Dame College in Manchester, NH, were she served as professor of music for 40 years and directed the Concert Choir for 25 years. During this time, Cecile was an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, serving as Governor of the Association from 1978-1984. For many years, she was a presenter and board member of the Holy Cross History Conference, presenting on the rich history of the Canadian providence and its works of ministry in the United States and on the founder of the order Blessed Basile Moreau and the power of forgiveness.
Cecile particularly enjoyed opera, reading, traveling, and Scrabble. However, developing the person as well as the musical talents of her students was her abiding passion. Through her lessons about music and life, professionals in opera, liturgy, and education as well as the children taught in her living room, continue her enthusiasm for life and beauty like the echo of a long-held note.
Sr. Cecile was pre-deceased by her sister Marguerite, a Sister of the Presentation of Mary. She is survived by her cousins Joe Croteau of Maryland, Carolyn Koczeras and husband Rudy of Meredith NH, Joan Poirier and husband "Skip" of Leominster MA, Victor Remillard of Nevada, and Louise Willis of Albany NY.
The family and her dear friend Sr. Suzanne Payette are grateful to the nurses and staff of the Holy Cross Health Center and to Dr. Belinda Castor for their loving care and compassion.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, October 29, 2016 in the Chapel of St. George's Manor at 357 Island Pond Road, Manchester, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of Holy Cross, Development Office, 377 Island Pond Road, Manchester, NH 03109.