LEWISTON - Before going into church Thursday, Andrew Girouard remembered having Sister Solange Bernier as a French teacher at St. Dominic Regional High School.

"She was always very generous," said Girouard, 21, who graduated from the University of Maine last year and now teaches French himself. "She'd be willing to do anything for anyone, especially us as her students. We were her kids," he said with a smile.

Even though it was Sister Solange's funeral, there were a lot of smiles from those who remembered her.

They recalled the Lewiston native as someone who touched lives, wore a constant smile and gave inspiring messages: that God created them and they were "marvelous."

Sister Solange died Monday at age 86 at d'Youville Pavilion, where she lived since last year. She began teaching at St. Dom's in 1968 and taught French until five years ago. She was involved in religious education until four years ago.

Fellow St. Dom's teacher Diane Robitaille said the nun was "a bright light in the halls." Robitaille said she experienced health problems two years ago. After returning to work, Sister Solange told her, "God blessed us because you came back." That kind of inspiration was typical of the nun, Robitaille said.

Not long after Robitaille spoke, the church began to fill.

Solemn bells tolled.

Monsignor Marc Caron, along with four priests, walked in procession with the casket and began the service. Prayers, memories and songs were given in English and French.

Caron, who is co-chancellor of the Catholic diocese in Maine, grew up in Lewiston. Sister Solange was his French teacher when he was at St. Dom's. Everyone saddened by her loss was consoled by memories, Caron said, whether it was her cooking French food in her apartment, directing French plays and trips to Quebec, or explaining proper French grammar in class.

She won many awards for teaching and promoting Franco-American culture, but whenever people spoke of her accomplishments, "She would say, 'I'm just a little nun,' " Caron said.

"There was nothing little about a life poured out in service to young people," he said, adding that her love of students was the key to her success.

"You couldn't be in sister's presence for more than 10 seconds and not feel an overwhelming sense of enthusiasm and optimism," he said. "Sister began with the presumption that each of us had been created marvelously by God. She was going to open our eyes to see exactly how marvelous we've been created." That, Caron said, was "good news for uncertain teenagers."

Don Bonneau, St. Dom's guidance director, said it was tough to summarize her four decades of dedication. He remembered her as an energetic and passionate teacher "whose knowledge of the French language and culture was unequaled." In addition to teaching language, she expanded horizons and introduced the French culture.

He remembered her calling him "monsieur" and others "madame" or "mademoiselle." That simple gesture "reminded me of her decency and kind spirit which clearly defined her life," he said.

Generations of students and colleagues will miss her, Bonneau said, adding, "Nous vous aimons! We love you!"