Obituary of Sister Theresa Leclair

Born: Jeannette Leona LeClair on May 23, 1919 in Westbrook, ME. Died: January 2, 2015 in the Healthcare Center of the St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany, NY. Daughter of Harry J. and Eugenie Lefebvre LeClair of Westbrook, ME. She was received into the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse on August 15, 1946 and professed her final religious vows on August 16, 1953. Sr. Theresa Eugene faithfully lived the Mission of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany for over 65 years. Sister attended grade school at Brown Street and St. Mary's in Westbrook from 1924-1934 and graduated from Westbrook High School in 1938. Several years after graduation, she felt called to join the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, entering the Order in 1945. Over summers and in between student teaching assignments, she continued her education at St. Elizabeth Teacher College (now a part of St. Bonaventure University) in Allegany, NY. With steadfast effort and faith that her love of service to others would benefit, Sister earned her B.S. in Education in 1965 and went on to complete additional graduate courses in the field of Education. Over the next three decades, Sr. Theresa contentedly ministered in education, primarily through religious education to the lower grades in Congregational schools located in Massachusetts, New York and Florida. During one 6-year assignment, she also served as Principal while stationed at St. Anthony's school in Pensacola, FL. In 1992, Sister retired from full-time teaching, but continued her service by generously volunteering her time and talents wherever needed at St. Anthony's school in Everett, MA. Sister fully retired in 1997 and spent several enjoyable years with her sisters at St. Raphael Convent in West Medford, MA. In 2003, Sr. Theresa was warmly welcomed home by her sisters at the St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany, NY. Sr. Theresa was predeceased by her parents, sisters, Mary and Irene, as well as a young brother, Harry. She is survived by her sister, Harriet Caron, brother, Harry Jr., sister-in-law, Jeanne and several nieces and nephews. A Wake Service is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 7, 2015 in the Chapel at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 8, 2015 in the Chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, followed by burial in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany, NY. The funeral arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. 646 East State Street, Olean, New York. Online condolences may be sent by clicking on the button above.