FRAMINGHAM, Mass. – The Rev. David J. Lajoie, SM, 89, an ordained priest with Marist Fathers, Framingham, Mass., died Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010, at St. Patrick Manor, Framingham, Mass. Born and raised in Van Buren, he was the son of the late Octave and Madeleine (St. Jean) Lajoie. His first profession into the Society of Mary came Sept. 8, 1942. He completed his theological studies at Marist Seminary, Framingham, Mass., and at Sillery, Quebec. He was ordained Feb. 2, 1948. After his ordination, the Rev. Lajoie taught at St. Mary, Van Buren. He then was a professor from 1950 to 1956 at Emmanuel College, Boston, and attended Boston University with a primary focus in psychology from 1954 to 1956. He was a novice master at Novitiate, State Island and Rhinebeck, N.Y., from 1958 to 1962. The Rev. Lajoie was a former superior at Marist College & Seminary, Framingham, Mass., and was missioned at various parishes throughout his priesthood and in part included, teacher and councilor at Bishop Grimes High School, Syracuse, N.Y.; pastor and superior at Sacred Heart Parish, Lawrence, Mass.; Assumption Parish, Chelsea, Mass.; St. Remi Parish, Keegan; pastor and superior of St. Anthony’s Parish, White River Junction, Vt.; parochial vicar of St. Bruno-St. Remi; and later resided at The Lourdes Center, Boston. In 2004, he reached senior religious status where he was assigned to Marist House, Framingham, Mass. The Rev. Lajoie is survived by his sister, Sister Jeanne Lajoie, P.F.M., of Baie St. Paul, Quebec. He was the brother-in-law of the late Albert Fongemie of Van Buren. His body will lie in state 8:30-10:15 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, at Our Lady of Mercy Chapel at Marist House, 518 Pleasant St., Framingham, Mass., where his funeral Mass will be begin 10:30 a.m. Burial will take place at a later date in Marist Fathers’ lot at St. Bruno Cemetery, Van Buren. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Marist Fathers Senior Religious Fund, 518 Pleasant St., Framingham, MA 01701. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Norton Funeral Home, 53 Beech St., Framingham, Mass. www.nortonfuneralhome.com
REV. DAVID J. LAJOIE, SM
