Sr. Louise Auclair, CSC

   Sr. Louise Auclair, CSC (Sr. Mary Louise of the Charity), 83, of the Sisters of Holy Cross, passed away on May 28, 2024.

   She was born in Somersworth on February 25, 1941 to Alphonse and Alice (Chretien) Auclair.   She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Holy Cross in 1958 and pronounced her final vows in 1965.

   Sr. Louise began her ministry in 1960 as an elementary and junior high teacher and principal at parochial schools in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.  

   It wasn’t long before the Community recognized her love for education.   Earning her PhD in higher education opened many doors for Sr. Louise.  She worked in the graduate and undergraduate divisions at Notre Dame College (NDC) in Manchester as an instructor in the Undergraduate Education Department, Dean of Education and Associate Professor and Dean of the Division of Education.

   While at NDC, she participated in a grant writing project that resulted in obtaining a three year grant to develop a program in English as a Second Language.

   In 1955 she was named Dean of the Faculty of Education at Regia Assumpta (FERA), Cap-Haitian, Haiti.  Her responsibilities included serving as liaison between NDC and FERA; developing, monitoring and revising curriculum; overseeing the smooth operation of the program; observing students during their full practicum experience and advising students enrolled in the program. From October 1995 to June 2002, she went to Haiti 23 times.

   Rivier University in Nashua and Merrimack College in North Andover, MA benefited from Sr. Louise’s experience and expertise.  One might say that she was and educator par excellence.

   Of the many honors and awards received by Sr. Louise, perhaps her most treasured one was the Moreau Distinguished Service Professorship, which recognizes the teacher who exemplifies the ideals of Father Moreau in her teaching and in association with students and colleagues.

   After retiring from higher education, she served as liaison between the Sisters of Holy Cross and Holy Cross Early Childhood Center.

   Sr. Louise was predeceased by her parents.

   She is survived by three siblings, Sr. Therese Auclair, CSC, Adrien Auclair of Rollinsford and Robert Auclair and his wife, Louise, of Hudson; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

   SERVICES: Calling hours are Tuesday (6/11) from 2 to 4 p.m. with a prayer service at 3 p.m. at St. George Manor, 357 Island Pond Rd., Manchester.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday (6/12) at 9 a.m. in the chapel at St. George Manor.

   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “Sisters of Holy Cross Development Office Fund” and mailed to 365 Island Pond Rd., Manchester, NH 03109.

   Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, Manchester is assisting with arrangements.  To leave a message of condolence, see the obituary at www.lambertfuneralhome.com