Sr. Cecile Forest, DHS, age 85, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died on Tuesday, July 17, 2007 at the Holy Spirit Provincial House where she had been in residence since 2003.
Born May 14, 1922 in Fitchburg, MA, the daughter of the late Ulysses and Cora (Morin) Forest, Sr. Cecile entered religious life in 1940 and made her religious profession on August 20, 1945 at the Holy Spirit Provincial House, Putnam, CT. She was then known as Sr. Cecile Agnes. She received her B.A. from Annhurst College, South Woodstock, CT and an M.A. and Ph.D.from Fordham University New York, NY.
Sr. Cecile served as educator and administrator most of her religious life. Her teaching assignments were as follows: All Hallows School, Moosup, CT and Annhurst College, South Woodstock, CT where she also served as academic dean. From 1974-1977, Sr. Cecile was appointed Provincial Councilor for the American Province of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit. In 1980, after following a CPE program at Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI she became director of Pastoral Ministry at Roncalli Institute in Bridgeport, CT. From 1987 to 1994, she was named administrator of the Provincial House in Putnam. She then served as chaplain at Day Kimball Hospital for 3 years and continued to serve as volunteer in the same capacity until 2005.
Survivors include a brother, Raymond Forest of Northport, L.I., NY; and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours at the Provincial House chapel will be on Friday, July 20, 2007, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2007 at 11:30 AM at the Provincial House Chapel followed by burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Putnam, CT.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Daughters of the Holy Spirit Retirement Fund, 72 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St, Putnam, CT, has been entrusted with Sister Cecile’s arrangements.
Karen (Baker) Pelletier
My Name is Karen Pelletier and I am a 1980 graduate of St. Bernard’s Central Catholic High School. I believe that Sister Cecile was also a graduate of St. Bernard’s High School in Fitchburg, MA, class of 1940 and was in fact that class’ valedictorian. I am
trying to locate all of the Class Valedictorians, and All Bernardians from St. Bernard’s. We have created a historical room in the school at 45 Harvard Street and will be having a reception to unveil the room. We are inviting all of the All Bernardians and Valdedictorians back to the school (along with their families).
Please accept my condolences on your loss. Reading her obituary, it is clear that Sr. Cecile lived a very full and accomplished life. If you and any members of your family would like to attend the reception on Oct 17th, please let me know and I will send you an invitation.
Again, so sorry for your loss.
Karen