1927 – 2021
Sr. Marie Anita Leger, DHS, 93, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died on January 31, 2021 at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham, CT of complications from Covid-19.
Born Anita Marie Leger on October 8, 1927 in Cocagne, New Brunswick, Canada, she was the daughter of Philippe Joseph and Aurelie Marie (Goguen) Leger. She attended school in New Brunswick before relocating to Fitchburg, MA with her family. She entered religious life at the Holy Spirit Provincial House in Putnam in September of 1957 and made her religious profession there on July 2, 1959. She was then known as Sr. Marie Anita.
After profession, Sr. Marie Anita worked as a dietician for many years in Fairfield, CT and at St Joseph Guest House in New Haven, CT. She then ministered in domestic services at St. Joseph Villa and the DHS Provincial House, always helping any sister in her quiet, unassuming manner even after her retirement in 2010. Sr. Marie Anita was admitted to Holy Spirit Health Care Center in June of 2011, moving to St. Joseph Living Center in 2016.
Sr. Marie Anita is survived by the Daughters of the Holy Spirit spiritual family – her Sisters in community, the Consecrated Seculars and the Associates. She is also survived by her sister Juliette Brodeur of Lunenburg, MA and a brother George Leger of Florida as well as nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers and sister Joseph, Alpherie, Aris, Renald, Rene and Dorine.
Calling hours will be on Thursday February 4, 2021 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at St. Mary Church, 46 Valley St., Willimantic, CT with a prayer service at 10:15 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM followed by burial in St. Mary Cemetery in Putnam at 1:30 PM. Social distancing guidelines will be followed including the requirement of a mask.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to DHS Retirement Fund, P.O. Box 497, Putnam, CT 06260. The Gilman And Valade Funeral Homes & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT is in charge of arrangements. For memorial guestbook please visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Philip
I wish I could be there to say goodbye to a very dear Aunt and endless supporter with her love and prayers. She brings with her all of our love to the many family members who went before her. We are all blessed to know that they have been waiting for her with open arms.
LEO E LEGER
As the first generation nephew, with my parents and brothers living in the same house as our Grandparents and many Aunts and Uncles (French Canadian tradition…), “Ma Tante Anita” was a dotting Aunt and an awesome, fun babysitter. As a family we were always so proud of Sister Anita and pleased with having someone closer to God to lobby for our needs. She was always so peaceful and happy in her role as a Nun.
My Mom, Theresa, and Brothers Donald and Philip and our families thank the DHS Sisters, Mother Superior in particular, for the compassionate care Sister Anita was provided in her final days at the St. Joseph Living Center.
RIP Sister Anita – you are now in an even better place. Please say hello to our Dad (your Brother Alpherie) and each of our much missed other Aunts and Uncles.
Claudia Bettez
Just simply one of the best people ever. She was a great influence on myself and others and a very dear person. She was person who was always kind and considerate. Always willing to help with a cheery word to others. I will miss her. My husband extends his sympathies as well.
Diane Summa
Sister Marie Anita was always so kind to me. I will miss her so much. I think of the days visiting her at the Holy Spirit Provincial House and later at St. Joseph Living Center. She was a great sister roommate to Sister Clémence who will miss her dearly.
Say hello to Sister Doris for me.