Sr. Fontenot

Sr. Helen Fontenot, MSC was born August 27, 1933 in Chataignier, Louisiana. She died suddenly on November 10, 2016 at 6:45 PM in Baton Rouge, LA at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph W. Fontenot, her mother, Haddie Guillory Fontenot, and her sister, Georgia Anna Fontenot.
She is survived by her brother, John Wendell and wife, Gaila Fontenot, their children; Melissa married to Larry Johnson, and nephew, Joseph Fontenot.
Sr. Helen entered the Marianites of Holy Cross September 2, 1951 and pronounced her perpetual vows on August 16, 1956. She received a Bachelor's degree in elementary education from Our Lady of Holy Cross College, a Master's degree in library science from Our Lady of the Lake College in San Antonio, Texas, and an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Technology from McNeese State University.
Sr. Helen was raised on a farm in Southwest Louisiana and learned from an early age the need for and reward of hard work. Using these gifts, she was a woman of action. She served for 20 years as teacher and principal in schools in New Orleans and Lake Charles. She then ministered for over 30 years on the faculty at the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans as librarian and director of student teaching. In these leadership roles, she diligently and devotedly worked with others to insure that the University and library grew to meet the changing challenges of multi-media and electronic education. While focused on these issues, her ministry extended beyond the walls of the Institution to the individual needs of staff, students, state and national library associations, community members, family and friends. Some would say she was a workaholic, others would say her vision was focused. She steadfastly worked until the job was done well and the goals were accomplished. Firmly grounded in the spirituality of the Marianites, she was a woman of prayer and compassion. In her busiest moments if someone needed her individual attention, she stopped and patiently rendered assistance. Sister also relished enjoyment! She rarely missed an opportunity to gather folks for outings to the mall, the theater, and to spend time with families and friends while enjoying good Cajun food. An avid sports fan of the Saints and Pelicans, her exuberant cheering of her beloved teams could be heard by all.
Three years ago, Sr. Helen moved to the Marianite convent in Opelousas and excitedly began a new ministry of supporting the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum. Her Cajun roots took flight as she used her French language to welcome people from all over the world who came to visit the museum and learn the stories of the children who made the arduous journey on the orphan train to be placed with families and to find new homes in Southwest Louisiana. The museum was so dear to her heart because long ago her own father had been one of the orphans. Her sharing with others was from a heart that intimately knew their poignant stories. (www.laorphantrain.com).
Among her many awards, Sr. Helen received the Louisiana Association of Educators President's Award, the Sr. Mary Aquin Lorio Memorial Award from the New Orleans Catholic Library Association, the Outstanding Cooperating Teacher Award, and an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans.



Her last day on November 9th was one of jubilation as she joined with several hundred people at the Cathedral in New Orleans in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Holy Cross College, now the University of Holy Cross. At the time unbeknown to her, her life came to its final full circle. During the celebration, she re-connected with so many folks who had become interwoven into the tapestry which now completed the colors of her journey on this earth and laid forth before her, the very next day, the carpet for her to step into eternal life.
To celebrate her entrance into eternal life, a wake service will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 from 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM in the chapel at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home followed by the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:30 AM in the chapel at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home with burial in St. Landry Cemetery in Opelousas, LA.
In addition, a memorial mass will be held at the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans on Monday, November 21st at 1:00 PM in the Moreau Center.
In lieu of flowers, the Marianites of Holy Cross request that memorial donations be made to the Marianites of Holy Cross, Congregational Center at 21388 Smith Road, Covington, LA 70435.
Words of Comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas.

Visitation

Prompt Succor Nursing Facility Chapel
954 E. Prudhomme Lane
Opelousas, LA  70570
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
8am-10:30am

Service

Prompt Succor Nursing Facility Chapel
954 E. Prudhomme Lane
Opelousas, LA  70570
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
10:30am

Cemetery

St. Landry Cemetery
1020 North Main Street
Opelousas, LA  70570