Passing of Sister Louise Côté, CND (1929-2020)
It is with great sadness that the Sisters of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame announce the passing of Sister Louise Côté (S. S.-Claire-des-Anges) at Résidence Bon-Secours in Montreal on May 1. At the age of 90 years and 10 months, Sister Louise Côté had more than 70 years of religious life. During this beautiful and long life for which we give thanks, Sister Louise held many positions in service of the Congregation – first as devoted teacher and later as Councillor and Bursar – before being elected Superior General from 1974 to 1984. She was also president of the Canadian Religious Conference (CRC), and Councillor and then Secretary General of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) in Rome.
In 1981, driven by the desire to better understand the founding charism of Marguerite Bourgeoys, Sister Louise Côté opened a Congregation mission in Troyes, the birthplace of Marguerite, whose 400th anniversary of her birth we celebrate this year. During her term as Congregation Superior, Sister Louise also presided over the re-establishment of the Associate Relationship. She had the privilege to attend the canonization ceremony of Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys in Rome on October 31, 1982.
In 1996, Sister Louise moved to Troyes, her foundress’s birthplace. Bishop Stenger of that diocese, knew Sister Louise well. In a recent letter, he stressed the faith and commitment of an “exceptional woman. She dedicated her whole life to the service of God and her neighbour. She was always ready to defend justice and the rights of people and was close to the smallest. While she never compromised, her rule of life was guided by righteousness and just “rigour.” This rule was founded on deep faith and trust in evangelical counsels, the basis of her consecrated life.”
Back in Montreal since last December, Sister Louise Côté lived the last months of her life with her Congregation companions at Résidence Bon-Secours. Sister Agnes Campbell, Leader of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame, emphasized how "Sister Louise lived a life of total commitment and the Congregation benefited greatly from her devotion." Truly, the words of Marguerite Bourgeoys could be attributed to her: “I offered myself with all my heart to do God’s will.” (WMB p. 168).
As all gathering events are suspended during this time of confinement, we will keep you informed of funeral details as soon as we are able to organize it. Until then, we remain united in prayer and loving remembrance of Sister Louise.
Our Lady and Our Mother,
we ask that all who are with us now and those who will come to us in the future may be numbered among the elect
so that with you we may praise God in a blessed eternity.
(Glandelet, The True Spirit p. 49)