Manchester– Sr. Rachel Croteau, Religious of Jesus & Mary (Mere St. Jeanne Francois RJM), died June 7, 2011 at Holy Cross Health Care Center following a brief illness.
She was born in Hooksett on September 22, 1921 the 7th of 13 children to Philippe and Blanche (Castonguay) Croteau.
She graduated 8th grade from St. Augustin School, in 1936 and High School at the Villa Augustina School in 1940.
She entered the Religious of Jesus & Mary on August 6, 1940 in Sillery, PQ. She made her first vows on August 20, 1942 , and her final vows on August 20, 1947.
Throughout her various ministries in Woonsocket, Providence, RI., Fall River, MA, Hyattsville, MD, San Diego, CA, and Goffstown she was a teacher, principal, superior, school secretary and treasurer. She was the head of the Alumni Association, Directress of Borders and Director of Development of the Villa Augustina School. She also taught CCD at St. Elizabeth Seton Church in Bedford for a brief period.
She was a beautiful, sensitive, caring woman loved by all who knew her.
She had a great personal devotion to Blessed Dina Belanger.
Villa Augustina School was held closest to her heart.
Family members include two brothers, Lionel Croteau of West Haven, CT., Donald Croteau of Manchester, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services: Calling hours will take place on Thursday from 4 to 7 PM at Holy Cross Healthcare Center, 357 Island Pond Rd., Manchester.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:30 AM in Holy Cross Chapel.
Burial will follow in Villa Augustina Cemetery, Goffstown.
J.N. Boufford & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to the Tuition Assistance Fund at Villa Augustina School, 208 South Mast Rd. Goffstown, NH 03045.
For more information and online guestbook please visit www.bouffordfuneralhome.com.