Sr. Muriel Lusignan, DHS
December 3, 1923 – May 8, 2010
Sr. Muriel Lusignan, DHS, 86, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit died on Saturday morning May 8, 2010 at Holy Spirit Provincial House in Putnam, CT.
Sr. Muriel was born on December 3, 1923 in Pittsfield, MA, the daughter of the late Arthur and Marguerite (Maurier) Lusignan. She entered religious life in 1942 and made her religious profession on August 18, 1947 at the Holy Spirit Provincial House, Putnam, CT. She was then known as Sr. Arthur Marguerite.
A graduate of Annhurst College, Sr. Muriel earned her Masters degree in Business Education from the Catholic University, Washington, D.C. She taught briefly at St. Louis School in New Haven and in 1953 she was assigned to teach in the Business Department at Annhurst College. In 1965 she was assigned to St. Bernard High School in New London first as Vice Principal and later Principal for a total of seven years. In 1972 she went back to Annhurst College where in addition to her teaching duties she served as Financial Aid Director and later Dean of Students. From 1980 until 1999 she was appointed Office Manager of the Admissions Office at the College of Our Lady of the Elms, Chicopee, MA. In the Fall of 1999, she was appointed Business Manager at the Development Office of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit in Putnam, CT.
Survivors include several nieces and nephews as well as grandnieces and grandnephews.
Calling hours at the Provincial House chapel will be on Monday, May 10, 2010 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a Prayer Service at 7:15pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 11:00 am in the Provincial House Chapel followed by burial at St. Mary 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 is in charge of arrangements.
Cori Nevers
I had the pleasure of knowing Sr. Muriel during my years as a student at Elms and then during my ten-year tenure in the Office of Admissions. She was a wonderful soul. A spiritual guide. A consummate professional. A woman who loved her family and friends…always proud to tell a story about one of her nieces or nephews, and the many cards and letters she continued to receive from students YEARS after she taught them was a testament to her beloved character.
I have MANY memories of Sister but three stand out now: her dusting of plant leaves, her prayer advice and her phone etiquette. To this day when I’m in a meeting and there’s a plant beside me I find myself rubbing the leaves clean with my fingers and thinking of Sister. Then there’s her advice to pray the following before a meeting, “Holy Spirit guide my words.” It works EVERY time. Finally, her phone etiquette was always polite and courteous, “customer’s always right” philosophy, but I smile big when I remember her saying, “Her light is lit,” inferring that the extension to which Sister was to transfer an incoming call was busy and literally the phone’s switchboard’s light was lit. Oh, so funny!
I was blessed to have had time in my life with Sister Muriel and although I lost track of her over the past several years, she was never far from my thoughts.
To sister’s family and friends, your loss is great but I pray that fond memories guide you through the overwhelming sadness and grief.
Cori Estelle Nevers (Elms Class of ’87)
Mary-Eileen (Mim) Zayas
I had the most wonderful opportunity to work with Sr. Muriel at the Elms in the Admissions Office from 1987 through 1992. Her insight, wisdom, and humor made each day a pleasure and a joy! I would never be able to put into words all that I learned from working with such a tremendous person. I had asked Sr. Muriel to say grace at my wedding….she seemed so flattered that I would ask her. She was eloquent . May her joyous spirit live on in those who had the priveledge of knowing her. My condolences go out to her family.
R. Garnett Satchell
My condolences goes out to the family of Sr. Muriel. I worked with her in the Elms Admissions Office for close to 4 years and at Elms a total of 8 years.
She was such a warm and friendly person. She made everyone who entered the Admissions office feel welcomed and she took very good care of our staff. We were a great team and shared many laughs. Such great memories! She will be missed. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Regards,
— Garnett —
Sr. Maureen Broughan, ssj
Sr. Muriel was a lovely, gracious woman and a joy to work with in every way. You could never find anyone more loyal. I was an Associate Admissions Director with Peter Miller and Sr. Muriel was the administrative assistant. She came to us when Annhurst College closed and we were blessed to have her with all her experience. The world was a better place because of Sr. Muriel. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Sr. Maureen Broughan ,ssj
Sr. Maureen Broughan, ssj
Sr. Maureen Broughan, ssj on Your comment is awaiting moderation. May 13th, 2010 1:42 pm
Sr. Muriel was a lovely, gracious woman and a joy to work with in every way. You could never find anyone more loyal. I was an Associate Admissions Director with Peter Miller and Sr. Muriel was the administrative assistant. She came to us when Annhurst College closed and we were blessed to have her with all her experience. The world was a better place because of Sr. Muriel. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Sr. Maureen Broughan ,ssj