Manchester-Sr. Julia Viola Forcier
( Mother Cleophas) RJM, 96 died March 4, 2008 after a long illness.
She was born in West Warwick, RI on July 14, 1911 the daughter of Zenon and Albina (Rouselle) Forcier.
She entered the Religious of Jesus and Mary in Sillery, PQ,Canada in 1936 where she pronounced her vows on August 24, 1938. She was educated by the Religious of Jesus and Mary at St. Claire’s , Woonsocket, RI and received a B.S. degree from Catholic Teacher’s College, Providence, RI.
She ministered in Woonsocket, RI, Fall River, MA., Hyattsville, MD, and Villa Augustina, Goffstown, NH., serving in the capacity of teacher, treasurer and local superior.
In 1987 she suffered a massive stroke which left her with aphasia ( the technical name given for interference with comprehension and use of language) . From that day through her remaining life, she was able to communicate only through her gestures and her smiles. She had been active all her life and was know for her sense of humor and her expertise as a treasurer / bookkeeper. She bore the burden of listening, understanding, and responding simply with: “ Yes ,Sister “ and “ Merci “ . Since 1992 she had been a resident at Holy Cross Health Care Center in Manchester, NH. She received the sisters, the staff and all who came to see her with open arms and a winning smile. She read the newspaper daily, enjoyed watching sports, news, and religious programs, and is remembered for her scenic jigsaw puzzles, mounted and displayed on the walls of Holy Cross Center. She was loved by all her knew her. Would that we could chronicle her unspoken thoughts, longings, and her extraordinary courage and patient suffering? Yet her life spoke loudly of faithful service, of love given and love received.
IN HER LIFE: She was predeceased by 3 sisters, all Religious of Jesus and Mary and 4 brothers, one of whom was ordained a priest in the Order of The Edmondites.
SERVICES: A visitation is Monday from 9:30 to 10:00 AM at Holy Cross Health Care Center Chapel. 357 Island Pond Road, Manchester. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday at 10:15 AM in Holy Cross Chapel.
Spring burial will be in Villa Augustina Cemetery, Goffstown.
Memorial donations may be made to Villa Augustina Tuition Assistance Fund, 208 Mast St., Goffstown, NH 03045.
For more information please visit www.bouffordfuneralhome.com.