Sister Pauline Labbé

"You are my disciples if you have love for one another." (John 13, 35)
December 17, 2017, Sister Pauline Labbé,
in religion Claude-Marie, 
went home to God. 

She was 82 years old and had been professed for 61 years. 
Born in Sherbrooke, Quebec, she was the oldest of the four children 
of Roméo Labbé and Claudia Brault.

Following Pauline’s birth, three brothers were born. Her father, an electrician by trade, was also a violinist. Pauline attended École Immaculée-Conception directed by the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre-Dame until the 9th grade. During this time, she was taking piano lessons at the SNJM Provincial House in Sherbrooke, where she obtained an 8th grade diploma in music. After a year studying commercial courses, also with the SNJMs, she worked for a year and then decided to enter the SNJM Novitiate in Outremont when she was 19 years old.

Sister Claude-Marie's career as a music teacher would last more than thirty-four years, mainly in Sherbrooke, St-Bruno, Longueuil, as well as in Saint-Lambert where she was both the director of the music department and organist.

"Sister Pauline knew how to convey to her students a taste for good music, to identify real talent and to encourage them to continue to make the necessary efforts. Her former students, who occasionally visited her, have enduring memories of her."

When Sister Pauline gave up teaching music, she helped with Nursing the elder Sisters at the Motherhouse for 4 years. She was then assigned to Chalet Jesus-Marie in Saint-Sauveur where she oversaw the hospitality and care of the guests along with being in charge of the liturgy preparation. Résidence Ste-Martine also benefitted from her dedication and expertise in a variety of community services: seamstress, receptionist, driver and hairdresser ... In July 2011, Sister Pauline arrived at Maison Jésus-Marie, first to help with community services and soon after to receive care herself.

"Sister Pauline proved to be a good collaborator in various organizations and was always ready to help anyone."    "In simplicity while in the infirmary, she shared her deep relationship with the Lord, her hope and her faith. She remained true to self, was comforting and encouraging."

When the Lord called, Sister Pauline replied: "Ready!"   In God she found the ultimate fulfillment of her hope.