Sister Marguerite Côté

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." (Ps. 23)
May 8, 2015, Sister Marguerite Côté,
in religion Marie- Hélène-de-la-Croix  
went home to God. 

She was 91 years old and had been professed for 70 years. 
Born in Ste-Julienne, Quebec, she was the 3rd of the 8 children 
of William Côté and Hélène Huneault 

Marguerite’s father was the village butcher-grocer.  Marguerite grew up in a close-knit, faith filled family that was always ready to help others. Having completed 3 years at the primary school in Sainte-Julienne, she attended the Boarding School in St-Lin where she knew the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary.

The summer when she was 19 years old, Marguerite entered the SNJM postulate. After finishing her novitiate, Sister Hélène-de-la-Croix began a 28-year career teaching young children at the primary level. For 7 of those years she was directress of boarders and for 21 years she was a teacher, particularly in our schools on the South Shore. Understanding and easy-going, Sister was close to her students and encouraged them to work hard for their greater good. The children felt loved and respected. 

As for her Sisters in community, Sister Marguerite was generous with her time and energy, when she was the infirmarian at the convent in Longueuil and later as an animator of various groups at the Motherhouse.

"Sensitive to those who were sick, Sister Marguerite provided medical care with benevolent generosity. She knew how to listen, to understand and to reassure them." "When she was in charge of the small store at the Motherhouse, she welcomed each Sister with a smile and a kind word…" "With extraordinary dedication, she lovingly gave of herself without counting the cost."

While living at Maison Jésus-Marie during the past six years, Sister Marguerite remained close to her family. She would remember in prayer all the intentions which they had recommended to her.

May the Virgin Mary, to whom she had so ardently prayed, continue to intercede with her!