Sr. Cecile Chagnon Obituary (1924 - 2018)

Winslow-Sr. Cecile Chagnon CSJ (known to her many students as Sr. Claire Yvonne) died December 11, 2018 at Lakewood Manor, Waterville, ME at the age of 94. Cecile was born June 21, 1924, in South Berwick, ME, the daughter of Omer and Yvonne (Parent) Chagnon. The family moved to Somerville, MA when Cecile was very young. Her elementary education was in Somerville, and then high school at the Academy of St. Joseph in Sough Berwick. Cecile returned to MA and attended Regis College in Weston where she received her BA in Nutrition and Administration. From 1946 to 1947, Cecile worked at the Leonard Morse Hospital in Natick, MA. In 1947, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon, pronouncing first vows on June 26, 1949. Sr. Cecile continued her education and graduated from the University of Maine with a Masters in Education in 1959. During the summers of 1960 and 1961, she attended Providence College where she earned a certificate in theology. In 1964, she spent the summer at the Catholic University in Paris, France, and in 1971 she earned her Masters in Health Care Administration from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Sister's various teaching assignments included Holy Family School in Lewiston, Sacred Heart School in Auburn as Principal and Sacred Heart Academy in Jackman where she was both teacher and Principal for 16 years. Sr. Cecile's last assignment was at Mount St. Joseph Nursing Home where she was Administrator for 17 years and continued for eight more years as consultant in the Dietary Department. While at Mount St. Joseph, Sr. Cecile was a member of various local and national Health Care Boards and was a member of the American Health Care Association she was elected Vice President and President. She was a member of the Diocesan Board of Education, served as a consultant for several area nursing homes and as trustee at the Sunset Home for Women. Sr. Cecile was also involved in various leadership roles of her Congregation. She worked with various committees and always remained active and interested in the life of the Maine Province. She attended and participated in two General Sessions in France and Switzerland and one International Conference in France. Sister was an accomplished seamstress. She enjoyed doing alterations and mending which brought many smiles: 'to think someone would enjoy mending." For a time she sewed for friends and members of her community. She also enjoyed doing crafts, embroidery and quilting for St. John School fairs. Sister Cecile enjoyed traveling and did so whenever the occasion presented itself. She read much...for religious enrichment, for professional updating and for enjoyment. After retirement from Mount St. Joseph, She continued to visit and serve many elderly with advice relating to health care. She offered prayers, support and visited her many elderly friends. During her retirement years, she delivered meals for the Muskie Center, was involved in promoting the South End Teen Center, and often present at Church and Civic functions. Many of Sr. Cecile's students from her teaching years in Jackman continued to call, write and visit regularly. On her 90th birthday, five of her students from four different States attended Mass with her and celebrated with lunch. Sr. Cecile was predeceased by her parents and siblings: Paul, Claire Viel and George, two nephews, Gary and Bruce Viel. She is survived by several nieces, nephews and a sister-in-law. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville, Friday, December 14, 2018 at 11am. There will be a viewing and prayer one hour prior to Mass at Notre Dame. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at www. gallantfh.com