In Memoriam

March 16, 1927 ~

January 18, 2023

Our dear Sister Rita Beaudoin went home to God this past January. Her death leaves a distinct void in the fabric of our congregation. Rita was a prominent figure in our Province, having been deeply involved in so many aspects of our community. Her full biography is available at www. holyunionsisters.org

Rita possessed many talents and gifts: linguist, musician, teacher, archivist, fund raiser. She was fluent in French and served as a translator for international Holy Union meetings. She enlivened many gatherings of sisters with her piano playing. She made a lasting impression on her beloved students from Rose Hawthorne High School, who remained in touch with her for over sixty years. Rita was a devoted and faithful companion to her sister Ruth throughout their long religious lives until Ruth’s death in November 2022. Rita’s study and work with the archives of both the Congregation and Holy Union in the United States has bequeathed a legacy to all with whom she so enthusiastically shared her knowledge. In her roles at the Country Day School of the Holy Union, she offered lively and engaging presentations to the students, faculty, and board. Even at the age of ninety-five she continued to be interested in and engaged in the activities of the Congregation and her own United States Province, including being a guest on a recent podcast. Rita will be greatly missed.

In all the different areas of our congregation, Sisters are making travel plans for July and August: looking for good flights, checking passport and visa requirements, making connections with friends in other countries, wondering (already!) about what the weather might be like then and what clothes to pack. For us here in the States, July and August are vacation time; is it a long-anticipated vacation that’s causing this flurry of planning and activity? Not exactly!