Sister Eleonore Gaudet, S.G.M.
Member of the Grey Nuns of Montreal.
Born: August 29, 1898
Profession: February 15, 1921
50th: August 15, 1971
Died: December 10, 1992
She welcomed the sick, the lonely and those in need. She once said, "With God, nothing is lost." She was a powerful, faith filled woman.
She opened her heart, helped the poor in the hospital, and made herself their servant to the end of her life.
Service of the poor requires courage based on trust. Sister Eleonore Gaudet showed this trust in God during her lifetime on Earth. She never quit though tired, never despaired though overwhelmed.
Obituary
Montreal - On the 10th of December 1992, Sister Eleonore Gaudet, age 94, formerly of St. Louis, P.E.I., passed away at the Mother House of the Grey Nuns. She leaves to mourn her Sisters in religion, her siblings Marie (Mrs. James Brown), Wilfred, and Philip: her sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Her body will lie in wake at the Mother House, 1190 Guy Street in Montreal, on Friday, 11 December 1992 at 1:30 pm. Funeral services will be held at the Mother House at 10 am, on the 12th of December, followed by the interment at Ile St. Bernard, Chateauguay. Parents and friends are invited to attend. In Lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mere Youville (the Foundress) would be greatly appreciated.
Direction Alfred Dallaire inc.
Montreal, 11 December 1992
(obituary translated by "Kermit")
Soeur Eleonore Gaudet - A short Biography of her life
1898-1992
In the picturesque village of St.Louis, Prince Edward Island (Canada), a child, named Eleonore, will see in time her life take a sudden turn. She was born on August 29, 1898 and baptised in the Immaculate Conception Parish on the following 4 of September. Daughter of Jean-Pierre Gaudet and Sophie Bernard where at an early age she is initiated into the distinctive virtues of Acadian families. The Gaudet couple had ten children of which a son only lived a few months. Eleonore was the third in line followed by her five brothers and two sisters—the last two children were born after her departure from home.
The Lord intervened in Eleonore's adolescent life at a very early age. He followed His usual modus operandi, leading us to believe that what one considers as coincidences or fortuitous encounters are, in short, the intervention of Providence, as stated by the author Charles Peguy (1878-1914).
Alma, the eldest in the family, left her native village for the metropolis in 1911, with the intention of continuing her studies whilst being employed. During her journey to Montreal, a lady-traveller enquires about Alma's plans once in Montreal; she cautions her about the inherent dangers of life in the "Big City". She subsequently suggests that she meet with Sister Dalton at the Mother House of the Grey Nuns who would be able to be of assistance; from then on Alma was part of our personnel. The nun in charge of the convent staff recognizes the refined manners and good education of her new employee, whereby she broaches the subject of a religious vocation for her, prompting Alma to respond: "I do not have a religious vocation, but my younger sister, Eleonore, would make an excellent Grey Nun!"
However, Eleonore is only 15 years old; Alma, nonetheless, persuades her sister to join her in Montreal where she will have the privilege of continuing her schooling at our Ecole Menagere St.Joseph (domestic science school) located near the Cathedral Marie-Reine du Monde. Trusting the judgement of her elder sister, Eleonore arrives in Montreal during the summer of 1913 and registers in the above-mentioned boarding school. She eventually graduates with success where she is recognised as not only an exceptional housekeeper, but as a pious and obedient young girl.
Eleonore was deeply impressed by her teacher, Sister Valerie Fugere who, besides being a teacher, held multiple responsibilities: such as, vice-principal, purser and pharmacist. "In those days, diplomas were not compulsory; we let our hearts guide us." Eleonore admires this worthy daughter of Mother Marguerite d'Youville who is discreet, devoted and altruistic, whilst carrying out very humble tasks. "She was for me more than a mother, for, she proved to be my model which I longed to emulate (...). I am truly beholden to Sister Fugere for helping me, along with God, persevere in my religious vocation."
Eleonore is literally enthralled by the "Grey Ideal"; she enters the Novitiate on August 2, 1918, a few months before the end of World War 1. She reveals her wish to become an auxiliary nun (one assigned to domestic duties). The mistress of novices, Mother Benoit, suggests, instead, that she become a traditional nun, "where you will have ample opportunities to exercise the virtue of humility". Meanwhile, the new novice devotes her time to spreading joy to everyone; "she encouraged and consoled us, while reminding us that everything eventually comes to an end and that one must give one's self wholeheartedly to God", as expressed by a fellow-nun.
All through her active religious life, Sister Eleonore not only kept her kindred spirit but enhanced her spirit of good will towards everyone. Six months after taking her temporary vows, she is assigned, to her great joy, as cook at the Hospice St.Joseph, where she will meet and work with her "model", Sister Fugere, who will continue to guide her religious destiny. In no time, Sister Gaudet becomes an accomplished and well-appreciated cook. She, subsequently, accepts the ordinance to serve in our various missions: namely, Beauharnois, the Creche d'Youville, and the St.Jean-sur-Richelieu Hospital. However, a dark shadow looms upon her: her health beginning to deteriorate. On two separate occasions, she is treated for tuberculosis at our St.Agathe-des-Monts Sanatorium. Following her discharge from the Sanatorium, she accepts lighter duties in order to further her convalescence. She then works at the Mother House (making hosts), at the Varennes boarding school, in the linen room, and finally, in Chateauguay in 1969, before taking pre-retirement at the Foyer St.Antoine de Longueuil. Whilst living there, she is doubly blessed, since her youngest sister and father reside nearby, which enables our dear Eleonore to visit and help her ailing father. On May13, 1970, age 99, he committed his soul to God. "Your presence at the funeral has been to us an utmost consolation" writes the brave Grey Nun, who, within a few months will celebrate her 50th anniversary of religious life. Once more, she is grateful for her life as she eloquently addresses the Superior General: "Our Jubilee was blessed by your presence for which we are deeply touched".
Likewise, Sister Eleonore thanks the Provincial Mother, who had congratulated her for still endeavouring to be of service to others: "Your kind words lead me to believe that I am still able to help and serve others which is true, since I love everyone. I was always overwhelmed by God's love and also that of my entourage. I thank God for such a precious gift."
In a few words, our dear elder Sister gave us her innermost recipe for serenity: she loves and is loved—one must not search elsewhere for the secret to her constant good humour. "She never complains, not even about her age-related physical disabilities", comments a fellow-nun.
It was always Sister Gaudet's deep and genuine wish to "devote her entire life to missionary work in order to help the destitute". Our Lord, in a way, granted her cherished wish, whereby she had the privilege of meeting the Reverend Father Jean Benoit, Pretre des Missions Etrangeres (Foreign Missions) who was assigned to Honduras. She embraced his worthy cause, as Mother Marguerite had done for Pierre Menard, and finds her vocation in sending numerous cases containing various goods and clothing to distribute to his flock. Furthermore, she maintains an active correspondence with the Missionary who later will say: "Her letters were an inspiration and a source of encouragement to me. She was indeed (as well as in deeds) a real mother" he sincerely declares. This missionary apostolate of hers lasted thirty years, up to the time, when at the end of her active career, our courageous Grey Nun returns, in 1982, to the Mother House to await His coming and abide by His will. This long-drawn-out period lasted until December 10, 1992 when our combative invalid breathed her last at 6:15 pm.
On Saturday, December 12, Reverend Father Jean Benoit, with our chaplain Andre Cousineau, concelebrated the funeral service. We then learned of the grand missionary apostolate of our dear sister, which added to our already existing admiration for her.
To her sister, her two brothers, nieces and nephews, we do not hesitate to affirm that Sister Eleonore's prayers are with you and that the bonds of fraternal affection will have intensified now that she partakes in the Resurrection of Christ.
With regard to her religious family, we are convinced that she will intercede with Mother Marguerite on our behalf so that we may continue our mission here, as well as abroad, by following in her foot-steps to assist the poor and the underprivileged.
Estelle Mitchell, s.g.m.
Translation: Kermit and the gang ;-)
Member of the Grey Nuns of Montreal.
Born: August 29, 1898
Profession: February 15, 1921
50th: August 15, 1971
Died: December 10, 1992
She welcomed the sick, the lonely and those in need. She once said, "With God, nothing is lost." She was a powerful, faith filled woman.
She opened her heart, helped the poor in the hospital, and made herself their servant to the end of her life.
Service of the poor requires courage based on trust. Sister Eleonore Gaudet showed this trust in God during her lifetime on Earth. She never quit though tired, never despaired though overwhelmed.
Obituary
Montreal - On the 10th of December 1992, Sister Eleonore Gaudet, age 94, formerly of St. Louis, P.E.I., passed away at the Mother House of the Grey Nuns. She leaves to mourn her Sisters in religion, her siblings Marie (Mrs. James Brown), Wilfred, and Philip: her sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Her body will lie in wake at the Mother House, 1190 Guy Street in Montreal, on Friday, 11 December 1992 at 1:30 pm. Funeral services will be held at the Mother House at 10 am, on the 12th of December, followed by the interment at Ile St. Bernard, Chateauguay. Parents and friends are invited to attend. In Lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mere Youville (the Foundress) would be greatly appreciated.
Direction Alfred Dallaire inc.
Montreal, 11 December 1992
(obituary translated by "Kermit")
Soeur Eleonore Gaudet - A short Biography of her life
1898-1992
In the picturesque village of St.Louis, Prince Edward Island (Canada), a child, named Eleonore, will see in time her life take a sudden turn. She was born on August 29, 1898 and baptised in the Immaculate Conception Parish on the following 4 of September. Daughter of Jean-Pierre Gaudet and Sophie Bernard where at an early age she is initiated into the distinctive virtues of Acadian families. The Gaudet couple had ten children of which a son only lived a few months. Eleonore was the third in line followed by her five brothers and two sisters—the last two children were born after her departure from home.
The Lord intervened in Eleonore's adolescent life at a very early age. He followed His usual modus operandi, leading us to believe that what one considers as coincidences or fortuitous encounters are, in short, the intervention of Providence, as stated by the author Charles Peguy (1878-1914).
Alma, the eldest in the family, left her native village for the metropolis in 1911, with the intention of continuing her studies whilst being employed. During her journey to Montreal, a lady-traveller enquires about Alma's plans once in Montreal; she cautions her about the inherent dangers of life in the "Big City". She subsequently suggests that she meet with Sister Dalton at the Mother House of the Grey Nuns who would be able to be of assistance; from then on Alma was part of our personnel. The nun in charge of the convent staff recognizes the refined manners and good education of her new employee, whereby she broaches the subject of a religious vocation for her, prompting Alma to respond: "I do not have a religious vocation, but my younger sister, Eleonore, would make an excellent Grey Nun!"
However, Eleonore is only 15 years old; Alma, nonetheless, persuades her sister to join her in Montreal where she will have the privilege of continuing her schooling at our Ecole Menagere St.Joseph (domestic science school) located near the Cathedral Marie-Reine du Monde. Trusting the judgement of her elder sister, Eleonore arrives in Montreal during the summer of 1913 and registers in the above-mentioned boarding school. She eventually graduates with success where she is recognised as not only an exceptional housekeeper, but as a pious and obedient young girl.
Eleonore was deeply impressed by her teacher, Sister Valerie Fugere who, besides being a teacher, held multiple responsibilities: such as, vice-principal, purser and pharmacist. "In those days, diplomas were not compulsory; we let our hearts guide us." Eleonore admires this worthy daughter of Mother Marguerite d'Youville who is discreet, devoted and altruistic, whilst carrying out very humble tasks. "She was for me more than a mother, for, she proved to be my model which I longed to emulate (...). I am truly beholden to Sister Fugere for helping me, along with God, persevere in my religious vocation."
Eleonore is literally enthralled by the "Grey Ideal"; she enters the Novitiate on August 2, 1918, a few months before the end of World War 1. She reveals her wish to become an auxiliary nun (one assigned to domestic duties). The mistress of novices, Mother Benoit, suggests, instead, that she become a traditional nun, "where you will have ample opportunities to exercise the virtue of humility". Meanwhile, the new novice devotes her time to spreading joy to everyone; "she encouraged and consoled us, while reminding us that everything eventually comes to an end and that one must give one's self wholeheartedly to God", as expressed by a fellow-nun.
All through her active religious life, Sister Eleonore not only kept her kindred spirit but enhanced her spirit of good will towards everyone. Six months after taking her temporary vows, she is assigned, to her great joy, as cook at the Hospice St.Joseph, where she will meet and work with her "model", Sister Fugere, who will continue to guide her religious destiny. In no time, Sister Gaudet becomes an accomplished and well-appreciated cook. She, subsequently, accepts the ordinance to serve in our various missions: namely, Beauharnois, the Creche d'Youville, and the St.Jean-sur-Richelieu Hospital. However, a dark shadow looms upon her: her health beginning to deteriorate. On two separate occasions, she is treated for tuberculosis at our St.Agathe-des-Monts Sanatorium. Following her discharge from the Sanatorium, she accepts lighter duties in order to further her convalescence. She then works at the Mother House (making hosts), at the Varennes boarding school, in the linen room, and finally, in Chateauguay in 1969, before taking pre-retirement at the Foyer St.Antoine de Longueuil. Whilst living there, she is doubly blessed, since her youngest sister and father reside nearby, which enables our dear Eleonore to visit and help her ailing father. On May13, 1970, age 99, he committed his soul to God. "Your presence at the funeral has been to us an utmost consolation" writes the brave Grey Nun, who, within a few months will celebrate her 50th anniversary of religious life. Once more, she is grateful for her life as she eloquently addresses the Superior General: "Our Jubilee was blessed by your presence for which we are deeply touched".
Likewise, Sister Eleonore thanks the Provincial Mother, who had congratulated her for still endeavouring to be of service to others: "Your kind words lead me to believe that I am still able to help and serve others which is true, since I love everyone. I was always overwhelmed by God's love and also that of my entourage. I thank God for such a precious gift."
In a few words, our dear elder Sister gave us her innermost recipe for serenity: she loves and is loved—one must not search elsewhere for the secret to her constant good humour. "She never complains, not even about her age-related physical disabilities", comments a fellow-nun.
It was always Sister Gaudet's deep and genuine wish to "devote her entire life to missionary work in order to help the destitute". Our Lord, in a way, granted her cherished wish, whereby she had the privilege of meeting the Reverend Father Jean Benoit, Pretre des Missions Etrangeres (Foreign Missions) who was assigned to Honduras. She embraced his worthy cause, as Mother Marguerite had done for Pierre Menard, and finds her vocation in sending numerous cases containing various goods and clothing to distribute to his flock. Furthermore, she maintains an active correspondence with the Missionary who later will say: "Her letters were an inspiration and a source of encouragement to me. She was indeed (as well as in deeds) a real mother" he sincerely declares. This missionary apostolate of hers lasted thirty years, up to the time, when at the end of her active career, our courageous Grey Nun returns, in 1982, to the Mother House to await His coming and abide by His will. This long-drawn-out period lasted until December 10, 1992 when our combative invalid breathed her last at 6:15 pm.
On Saturday, December 12, Reverend Father Jean Benoit, with our chaplain Andre Cousineau, concelebrated the funeral service. We then learned of the grand missionary apostolate of our dear sister, which added to our already existing admiration for her.
To her sister, her two brothers, nieces and nephews, we do not hesitate to affirm that Sister Eleonore's prayers are with you and that the bonds of fraternal affection will have intensified now that she partakes in the Resurrection of Christ.
With regard to her religious family, we are convinced that she will intercede with Mother Marguerite on our behalf so that we may continue our mission here, as well as abroad, by following in her foot-steps to assist the poor and the underprivileged.
Estelle Mitchell, s.g.m.
Translation: Kermit and the gang ;-)
Sister Eleonore Gaudet, S.G.M.
Member of the Grey Nuns of Montreal.
Born: August 29, 1898
Profession: February 15, 1921
50th: August 15, 1971
Died: December 10, 1992
She welcomed the sick, the lonely and those in need. She once said, "With God, nothing is lost." She was a powerful, faith filled woman.
She opened her heart, helped the poor in the hospital, and made herself their servant to the end of her life.
Service of the poor requires courage based on trust. Sister Eleonore Gaudet showed this trust in God during her lifetime on Earth. She never quit though tired, never despaired though overwhelmed.
Obituary
Montreal - On the 10th of December 1992, Sister Eleonore Gaudet, age 94, formerly of St. Louis, P.E.I., passed away at the Mother House of the Grey Nuns. She leaves to mourn her Sisters in religion, her siblings Marie (Mrs. James Brown), Wilfred, and Philip: her sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Her body will lie in wake at the Mother House, 1190 Guy Street in Montreal, on Friday, 11 December 1992 at 1:30 pm. Funeral services will be held at the Mother House at 10 am, on the 12th of December, followed by the interment at Ile St. Bernard, Chateauguay. Parents and friends are invited to attend. In Lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mere Youville (the Foundress) would be greatly appreciated.
Direction Alfred Dallaire inc.
Montreal, 11 December 1992
(obituary translated by "Kermit")
Soeur Eleonore Gaudet - A short Biography of her life
1898-1992
In the picturesque village of St.Louis, Prince Edward Island (Canada), a child, named Eleonore, will see in time her life take a sudden turn. She was born on August 29, 1898 and baptised in the Immaculate Conception Parish on the following 4 of September. Daughter of Jean-Pierre Gaudet and Sophie Bernard where at an early age she is initiated into the distinctive virtues of Acadian families. The Gaudet couple had ten children of which a son only lived a few months. Eleonore was the third in line followed by her five brothers and two sisters—the last two children were born after her departure from home.
The Lord intervened in Eleonore's adolescent life at a very early age. He followed His usual modus operandi, leading us to believe that what one considers as coincidences or fortuitous encounters are, in short, the intervention of Providence, as stated by the author Charles Peguy (1878-1914).
Alma, the eldest in the family, left her native village for the metropolis in 1911, with the intention of continuing her studies whilst being employed. During her journey to Montreal, a lady-traveller enquires about Alma's plans once in Montreal; she cautions her about the inherent dangers of life in the "Big City". She subsequently suggests that she meet with Sister Dalton at the Mother House of the Grey Nuns who would be able to be of assistance; from then on Alma was part of our personnel. The nun in charge of the convent staff recognizes the refined manners and good education of her new employee, whereby she broaches the subject of a religious vocation for her, prompting Alma to respond: "I do not have a religious vocation, but my younger sister, Eleonore, would make an excellent Grey Nun!"
However, Eleonore is only 15 years old; Alma, nonetheless, persuades her sister to join her in Montreal where she will have the privilege of continuing her schooling at our Ecole Menagere St.Joseph (domestic science school) located near the Cathedral Marie-Reine du Monde. Trusting the judgement of her elder sister, Eleonore arrives in Montreal during the summer of 1913 and registers in the above-mentioned boarding school. She eventually graduates with success where she is recognised as not only an exceptional housekeeper, but as a pious and obedient young girl.
Eleonore was deeply impressed by her teacher, Sister Valerie Fugere who, besides being a teacher, held multiple responsibilities: such as, vice-principal, purser and pharmacist. "In those days, diplomas were not compulsory; we let our hearts guide us." Eleonore admires this worthy daughter of Mother Marguerite d'Youville who is discreet, devoted and altruistic, whilst carrying out very humble tasks. "She was for me more than a mother, for, she proved to be my model which I longed to emulate (...). I am truly beholden to Sister Fugere for helping me, along with God, persevere in my religious vocation."
Eleonore is literally enthralled by the "Grey Ideal"; she enters the Novitiate on August 2, 1918, a few months before the end of World War 1. She reveals her wish to become an auxiliary nun (one assigned to domestic duties). The mistress of novices, Mother Benoit, suggests, instead, that she become a traditional nun, "where you will have ample opportunities to exercise the virtue of humility". Meanwhile, the new novice devotes her time to spreading joy to everyone; "she encouraged and consoled us, while reminding us that everything eventually comes to an end and that one must give one's self wholeheartedly to God", as expressed by a fellow-nun.
All through her active religious life, Sister Eleonore not only kept her kindred spirit but enhanced her spirit of good will towards everyone. Six months after taking her temporary vows, she is assigned, to her great joy, as cook at the Hospice St.Joseph, where she will meet and work with her "model", Sister Fugere, who will continue to guide her religious destiny. In no time, Sister Gaudet becomes an accomplished and well-appreciated cook. She, subsequently, accepts the ordinance to serve in our various missions: namely, Beauharnois, the Creche d'Youville, and the St.Jean-sur-Richelieu Hospital. However, a dark shadow looms upon her: her health beginning to deteriorate. On two separate occasions, she is treated for tuberculosis at our St.Agathe-des-Monts Sanatorium. Following her discharge from the Sanatorium, she accepts lighter duties in order to further her convalescence. She then works at the Mother House (making hosts), at the Varennes boarding school, in the linen room, and finally, in Chateauguay in 1969, before taking pre-retirement at the Foyer St.Antoine de Longueuil. Whilst living there, she is doubly blessed, since her youngest sister and father reside nearby, which enables our dear Eleonore to visit and help her ailing father. On May13, 1970, age 99, he committed his soul to God. "Your presence at the funeral has been to us an utmost consolation" writes the brave Grey Nun, who, within a few months will celebrate her 50th anniversary of religious life. Once more, she is grateful for her life as she eloquently addresses the Superior General: "Our Jubilee was blessed by your presence for which we are deeply touched".
Likewise, Sister Eleonore thanks the Provincial Mother, who had congratulated her for still endeavouring to be of service to others: "Your kind words lead me to believe that I am still able to help and serve others which is true, since I love everyone. I was always overwhelmed by God's love and also that of my entourage. I thank God for such a precious gift."
In a few words, our dear elder Sister gave us her innermost recipe for serenity: she loves and is loved—one must not search elsewhere for the secret to her constant good humour. "She never complains, not even about her age-related physical disabilities", comments a fellow-nun.
It was always Sister Gaudet's deep and genuine wish to "devote her entire life to missionary work in order to help the destitute". Our Lord, in a way, granted her cherished wish, whereby she had the privilege of meeting the Reverend Father Jean Benoit, Pretre des Missions Etrangeres (Foreign Missions) who was assigned to Honduras. She embraced his worthy cause, as Mother Marguerite had done for Pierre Menard, and finds her vocation in sending numerous cases containing various goods and clothing to distribute to his flock. Furthermore, she maintains an active correspondence with the Missionary who later will say: "Her letters were an inspiration and a source of encouragement to me. She was indeed (as well as in deeds) a real mother" he sincerely declares. This missionary apostolate of hers lasted thirty years, up to the time, when at the end of her active career, our courageous Grey Nun returns, in 1982, to the Mother House to await His coming and abide by His will. This long-drawn-out period lasted until December 10, 1992 when our combative invalid breathed her last at 6:15 pm.
On Saturday, December 12, Reverend Father Jean Benoit, with our chaplain Andre Cousineau, concelebrated the funeral service. We then learned of the grand missionary apostolate of our dear sister, which added to our already existing admiration for her.
To her sister, her two brothers, nieces and nephews, we do not hesitate to affirm that Sister Eleonore's prayers are with you and that the bonds of fraternal affection will have intensified now that she partakes in the Resurrection of Christ.
With regard to her religious family, we are convinced that she will intercede with Mother Marguerite on our behalf so that we may continue our mission here, as well as abroad, by following in her foot-steps to assist the poor and the underprivileged.
Estelle Mitchell, s.g.m.
Translation: Kermit and the gang ;-)
Member of the Grey Nuns of Montreal.
Born: August 29, 1898
Profession: February 15, 1921
50th: August 15, 1971
Died: December 10, 1992
She welcomed the sick, the lonely and those in need. She once said, "With God, nothing is lost." She was a powerful, faith filled woman.
She opened her heart, helped the poor in the hospital, and made herself their servant to the end of her life.
Service of the poor requires courage based on trust. Sister Eleonore Gaudet showed this trust in God during her lifetime on Earth. She never quit though tired, never despaired though overwhelmed.
Obituary
Montreal - On the 10th of December 1992, Sister Eleonore Gaudet, age 94, formerly of St. Louis, P.E.I., passed away at the Mother House of the Grey Nuns. She leaves to mourn her Sisters in religion, her siblings Marie (Mrs. James Brown), Wilfred, and Philip: her sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Her body will lie in wake at the Mother House, 1190 Guy Street in Montreal, on Friday, 11 December 1992 at 1:30 pm. Funeral services will be held at the Mother House at 10 am, on the 12th of December, followed by the interment at Ile St. Bernard, Chateauguay. Parents and friends are invited to attend. In Lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mere Youville (the Foundress) would be greatly appreciated.
Direction Alfred Dallaire inc.
Montreal, 11 December 1992
(obituary translated by "Kermit")
Soeur Eleonore Gaudet - A short Biography of her life
1898-1992
In the picturesque village of St.Louis, Prince Edward Island (Canada), a child, named Eleonore, will see in time her life take a sudden turn. She was born on August 29, 1898 and baptised in the Immaculate Conception Parish on the following 4 of September. Daughter of Jean-Pierre Gaudet and Sophie Bernard where at an early age she is initiated into the distinctive virtues of Acadian families. The Gaudet couple had ten children of which a son only lived a few months. Eleonore was the third in line followed by her five brothers and two sisters—the last two children were born after her departure from home.
The Lord intervened in Eleonore's adolescent life at a very early age. He followed His usual modus operandi, leading us to believe that what one considers as coincidences or fortuitous encounters are, in short, the intervention of Providence, as stated by the author Charles Peguy (1878-1914).
Alma, the eldest in the family, left her native village for the metropolis in 1911, with the intention of continuing her studies whilst being employed. During her journey to Montreal, a lady-traveller enquires about Alma's plans once in Montreal; she cautions her about the inherent dangers of life in the "Big City". She subsequently suggests that she meet with Sister Dalton at the Mother House of the Grey Nuns who would be able to be of assistance; from then on Alma was part of our personnel. The nun in charge of the convent staff recognizes the refined manners and good education of her new employee, whereby she broaches the subject of a religious vocation for her, prompting Alma to respond: "I do not have a religious vocation, but my younger sister, Eleonore, would make an excellent Grey Nun!"
However, Eleonore is only 15 years old; Alma, nonetheless, persuades her sister to join her in Montreal where she will have the privilege of continuing her schooling at our Ecole Menagere St.Joseph (domestic science school) located near the Cathedral Marie-Reine du Monde. Trusting the judgement of her elder sister, Eleonore arrives in Montreal during the summer of 1913 and registers in the above-mentioned boarding school. She eventually graduates with success where she is recognised as not only an exceptional housekeeper, but as a pious and obedient young girl.
Eleonore was deeply impressed by her teacher, Sister Valerie Fugere who, besides being a teacher, held multiple responsibilities: such as, vice-principal, purser and pharmacist. "In those days, diplomas were not compulsory; we let our hearts guide us." Eleonore admires this worthy daughter of Mother Marguerite d'Youville who is discreet, devoted and altruistic, whilst carrying out very humble tasks. "She was for me more than a mother, for, she proved to be my model which I longed to emulate (...). I am truly beholden to Sister Fugere for helping me, along with God, persevere in my religious vocation."
Eleonore is literally enthralled by the "Grey Ideal"; she enters the Novitiate on August 2, 1918, a few months before the end of World War 1. She reveals her wish to become an auxiliary nun (one assigned to domestic duties). The mistress of novices, Mother Benoit, suggests, instead, that she become a traditional nun, "where you will have ample opportunities to exercise the virtue of humility". Meanwhile, the new novice devotes her time to spreading joy to everyone; "she encouraged and consoled us, while reminding us that everything eventually comes to an end and that one must give one's self wholeheartedly to God", as expressed by a fellow-nun.
All through her active religious life, Sister Eleonore not only kept her kindred spirit but enhanced her spirit of good will towards everyone. Six months after taking her temporary vows, she is assigned, to her great joy, as cook at the Hospice St.Joseph, where she will meet and work with her "model", Sister Fugere, who will continue to guide her religious destiny. In no time, Sister Gaudet becomes an accomplished and well-appreciated cook. She, subsequently, accepts the ordinance to serve in our various missions: namely, Beauharnois, the Creche d'Youville, and the St.Jean-sur-Richelieu Hospital. However, a dark shadow looms upon her: her health beginning to deteriorate. On two separate occasions, she is treated for tuberculosis at our St.Agathe-des-Monts Sanatorium. Following her discharge from the Sanatorium, she accepts lighter duties in order to further her convalescence. She then works at the Mother House (making hosts), at the Varennes boarding school, in the linen room, and finally, in Chateauguay in 1969, before taking pre-retirement at the Foyer St.Antoine de Longueuil. Whilst living there, she is doubly blessed, since her youngest sister and father reside nearby, which enables our dear Eleonore to visit and help her ailing father. On May13, 1970, age 99, he committed his soul to God. "Your presence at the funeral has been to us an utmost consolation" writes the brave Grey Nun, who, within a few months will celebrate her 50th anniversary of religious life. Once more, she is grateful for her life as she eloquently addresses the Superior General: "Our Jubilee was blessed by your presence for which we are deeply touched".
Likewise, Sister Eleonore thanks the Provincial Mother, who had congratulated her for still endeavouring to be of service to others: "Your kind words lead me to believe that I am still able to help and serve others which is true, since I love everyone. I was always overwhelmed by God's love and also that of my entourage. I thank God for such a precious gift."
In a few words, our dear elder Sister gave us her innermost recipe for serenity: she loves and is loved—one must not search elsewhere for the secret to her constant good humour. "She never complains, not even about her age-related physical disabilities", comments a fellow-nun.
It was always Sister Gaudet's deep and genuine wish to "devote her entire life to missionary work in order to help the destitute". Our Lord, in a way, granted her cherished wish, whereby she had the privilege of meeting the Reverend Father Jean Benoit, Pretre des Missions Etrangeres (Foreign Missions) who was assigned to Honduras. She embraced his worthy cause, as Mother Marguerite had done for Pierre Menard, and finds her vocation in sending numerous cases containing various goods and clothing to distribute to his flock. Furthermore, she maintains an active correspondence with the Missionary who later will say: "Her letters were an inspiration and a source of encouragement to me. She was indeed (as well as in deeds) a real mother" he sincerely declares. This missionary apostolate of hers lasted thirty years, up to the time, when at the end of her active career, our courageous Grey Nun returns, in 1982, to the Mother House to await His coming and abide by His will. This long-drawn-out period lasted until December 10, 1992 when our combative invalid breathed her last at 6:15 pm.
On Saturday, December 12, Reverend Father Jean Benoit, with our chaplain Andre Cousineau, concelebrated the funeral service. We then learned of the grand missionary apostolate of our dear sister, which added to our already existing admiration for her.
To her sister, her two brothers, nieces and nephews, we do not hesitate to affirm that Sister Eleonore's prayers are with you and that the bonds of fraternal affection will have intensified now that she partakes in the Resurrection of Christ.
With regard to her religious family, we are convinced that she will intercede with Mother Marguerite on our behalf so that we may continue our mission here, as well as abroad, by following in her foot-steps to assist the poor and the underprivileged.
Estelle Mitchell, s.g.m.
Translation: Kermit and the gang ;-)
