Dr. Elise B. Tougas, 88, of Manchester, died December 9, 2015 at Holy Cross Health Center in Manchester after a period of declining health.
She was born in Manchester on August 23, 1927 to Eugene and Pauline (Moll) Tougas.
She earned a bachelor’s degree from Rivier College in 1948, a master’s degree from Boston College in 1954 and a doctorate from Catholic University of America in 1962. She also audited many courses at BC during summers.
Dr. Tougas served as a Catholic sister with the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary for 20 years and taught at the Presentation of Mary Academy in Hudson for five years. She was a dean at the Nashua Vocational Technical College and worked at the New Hampshire Department of Education Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. She was also assistant superintendent of the Manchester School District and of New Hampshire Catholic Schools.
She was a philosophy professor at Rivier College for 20 years and was awarded the Sr. Madeleine of Jesus Award and the Good Samaritan of the Year Award. She served as chairperson of the Greater Manchester Clergy Association and was a pastoral associate at St. Anthony Church in Manchester for many years. She was also a member of the NH Woodcarvers Association.
She was predeceased by her siblings, Charles A. Tougas and Pauline Iaconangelo.
The family includes a brother, Eugene L. Tougas, of Springfield, VA; nieces and nephews including, Alexis, Jennifer, Anne Marie, Cecile, Elaine, Anita, Pauline, Joey, Marie and Albert, as well as many close friends, family and former students.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at St. Anthony Church, 172 Belmont St., Manchester. Committal prayers followed at Mt. Calvary Mausoleum, 474 Goffstown Rd., Manchester.
Donations may be made to the charity of ones choice.