Marlborough – Sister Dolores A. Gonthier, SSCh (Sister Marie-Roland), died Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the Sisters of St. Chretienne Retirement Residence in Marlborough.
Born in Amesbury, she was the daughter of the late Roland and Yvonne (Roy) Gonthier.
Sister was educated by the Sisters of St. Chretienne at her parish elementary school, Sacred Heart, in Amesbury and the Juniorate at St. Chretienne Academy in Salem. She entered the Novitiate in Giffard, PQ in 1950, pronounced her first vows in 1952 and her final vows in 1958.
After completing her teacher training she returned to Salem and began a long and dedicated career in education. Her assignments were spread throughout Canada, Massachusetts, Maine and Rhode Island. She loved her students and they were devoted to her. Many of them have kept in touch until the present.
Sr. Dolores was a “doer.” Although she was officially retired, she continued to keep active. She helped with cleaning and odd jobs both for the Sisters and for her parish church, Our Lady of Consolation, in Pawtucket, R.I. She spent time as the sacristan at the Cathedral in Providence, R,I., and volunteered much of her time at the Jeanne Jugan Residence in Pawtucket when her mother was in residence there.
Sister loved her Congregation and had a deep devotion to the foundress, Madame de Mejanes. She was known for her joyful disposition and was felt to be a gift to all in her community. She had a deep sense of gratitude which was evident even to her last days.
For the past five years, Sister taught English to the Chinese clients at the Aging Well Center in Marlborough where she was deeply appreciated and loved.
Sr. Dolores will be greatly missed by all who knew her and loved her. She leaves us with the example of living a life of faithful service to God and His little ones and especially to those in need.
Sr. Dolores was very close to her family and had three older brothers who loved her dearly. She is survived by Roland Gonthier and his wife Phebe of Stonington, Conn. and Normand Gonthier and his wife Shirley of Franklin; her sister-in-law, Margaret Gonthier of Hopkinton; and many nieces and nephews. The devotion which they showed during her illness was a great comfort to her. She was also the sister of the late Raymond Gonthier.
Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, May 17, from 3-7 p.m., with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Chretienne Retirement Residence, 197 Pleasant St., Marlborough. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, May 18, at 10:30 a.m., at the Chapel of the St. Chretienne Retirement Residence. Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Haverhill Road, Amesbury, at a later date.
Donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Chretienne , 197 Pleasant St., Marlborough, MA 01752.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Slattery Funeral Home, 40 Pleasant St., Marlborough.
