PORTLAND – Sister Mary Paula Garceau, RSM (Mary Louise), 84, a faithful and faith-filled woman of God, died quietly May 10, 2006, at St. Joseph’s Manor. Sister, born in Brewer, was educated at St. Mary’s Elementary and John Bapst High School prior to entering the Sisters of Mercy in Portland. Sister dedicated her ministerial life to the service of her Sisters and those they ministered to by providing essential, behind the scenes support at St. Mary’s Convent, Calais, St. Joseph’s Convent, Farmington, St. Michael’s Home, Bangor and at the St. Joseph’s Convent (Motherhouse of the Sisters of Mercy) in Portland. She worked in the kitchen helping to provide hot, nutritious meals as well as tending to the needs of the ill and infirmed for many years. Among her many gifts were that of laughter supported by a dry wit that encouraged others to share their best stories. She loved people, and affirmed them at every opportunity. She grieved with others when a tragedy happened in their lives and rejoiced with them in times of joy. She was grateful for any act of kindness that was given to her. Many claimed her as a loyal and true friend. Sister was predeceased by her parents, Albert and Anna (Veilleux) Garceau. She is survived by cousins, close friends, especially Rev. Sandy MacNeil, Catherine and Sister Mildred MacNeil CnD, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and her Sisters in Community. Visiting hours will be 2:30-4 and 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, May 11, at St. Joseph’s Convent, 605 Stevens Ave., Portland, with a special prayer service 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 12, at St. Joseph’s Convent, Portland. Burial will be in New Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements are by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Homes, 172 State St., Portland. Memorial gifts may be made out to the Retirement Fund for the Sisters of Mercy, 605 Stevens Ave., Portland, ME 04103.
SISTER MARY PAULA GARCEAU
